I get it. It is tough to do. You get that email or text from a ministry colleague about an upcoming meeting and conference and you think to yourself, "If I was full time, I would go." Let me tell you that those meetings or occasional conference may be what you need to get over the "funk" you are in. If your "other job" gives you personal time, use it for that afternoon meeting with some pastors in your town/area. You can't expect to stay healthy if you aren't staying connected with other like minded people. It is good for you and I to attend those meetings so we don't fall prey to the lone ranger mentality that says it's just me and my church...I got this. YOU DON'T. If that is your thought, prepare for wreckage because it is coming.
Trust me, your spouse will understand if you need a couple nights to get
recharged at that conference. If they don't then I question how much
they really supported you being a Bivocational pastor. Perhaps your job will give you the time off but you don't earn paid time off. No problem, just approach your church board about covering the salary you will miss out from that employer. Your board should love you and want to see you taken care of. Besides, you're the one making a major sacrifice for the church to not receive a full time salary. I find it hard to believe that most churches couldn't find a couple hundred dollars to cover missed salary and conference registration for you. It may require some creative approaches such as a special offering or shifting some funds but most churches can make it happen but they don't know because YOU haven't asked.
Personally, I am blessed that the church I serve covers my conference expenses. They don't cover my missed salary from my sales job for conferences, instead they cover me for my MANDATORY 2 weeks vacation I now take. Yes, the church board has mandated me take 2 weeks off a year and they value that so much that they make up my lost commission because if I don't sell, I don't get paid. There were several things that lead to this understanding but it all started with a conversation.
Let me add one final thought. If you don't value your own personal growth and connection with other pastors, will those people you minister to value their personal growth and connection with other believers?
