The Story Behind
Co-vocational ministry crossed my mind for the first time more than a decade ago when my support for church planting in Mexico suddenly cut by 30%. My immediate concern was finding a way to provide for my wife and our newborn baby without renouncing my sense of calling and the church we had begun. Considering co-vocational ministry was out of necessity.
Over the years, I have come to see co-vocational ministry with new eyes. It is a path chosen by many who will do “whatever it takes” to see Jesus being proclaimed and His kingdom being revealed in every neighborhood. It promotes good stewardship of the talents and resources that God has given us, mainly when the church is small and the soil for ministry is hard. It has no limits. It provides strategic advantages for multiplication and church planting in many contexts. It represents a path toward sustainable growth, contextualized forms of ministry, and exponential disciples multiplication. It fosters gospel movements.
Co-vocational ministry has been the most common practice for leaders throughout history across the world. It has been a decisive factor in the growth and expansion of the gospel in the face of adversity, persecution, and scarcity of financial resources. Across Latin America, many pastors and lay leaders practice or consider a co-vocational lifestyle, enabling them to live for God’s mission. I have had the privilege of coaching many, formally or informally, in places like Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and the United States. I have been inspired by their commitment to the Lord and His mission. I have learned from them.
However, despite its biblical validity and strategic value, many denominations and churches have not intentionally developed pipelines to encourage, equip, and resource leaders for co-vocational ministry. This represents a tremendous and urgent opportunity for more incredible gospel growth in Latin America.
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”