Bi-Vocational Ministry: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Gigs, and Side Hustles

Sometimes the questions interrupt you in the middle of the day. Other times they keep you up at night. You wonder if you’re using all of your gifts or skills. Maybe you worry that you’ve plateaued. There’s a restlessness that’s hard to shake—a need to get unstuck, and now.

For a growing number of faith leaders, the answer to those questions is found through bi-vocational ministry. If you’re ready to be proactive instead of reactive, ready to explore all that God is calling you towards, this course is the place to start.

Session 1: Why This, Why Now, and Why Not?

Session 2: Navigating Spiritual and Emotional Pitfalls, False Beliefs, and Self-Doubt

Session 3: The 1, 2, 3s and ABCs

Session 4: What Next? Laying a Firm Foundation

• Session 1:

  Why This, Why Now, and Why Not?

  In this first session, you’ll learn how the landscape of ministry is changing and what that may mean for you. You’ll also dive into the need for a healthy balance and how some environments amplify those restless feeling. There will even be some talk about neuroscience, so get ready!

• Session 2:

  Navigating Spiritual and Emotional Pitfalls, False Beliefs, and Self-Doubt

  With the help of some trusted coaching exercises, this second session will help you uncover any false assumptions or limiting beliefs you may have about bi-vocational ministry. Through those exercises, your full identity will emerge—along with what you’re not about.

• Session 3:

  The 1, 2, 3s and ABCs

  If you’ve been worried about those tactical nuts and bolts like business plans and marketing, this is where those questions will be answered. Not only will you learn how to leverage social media to grow your business, you’ll also discuss hiring, goal-setting, and finding your niche.

• Session 4:

  What Next? Laying a Firm Foundation

  In the final session, you’ll learn transparent practices for bi-vocational ministry and caring for your congregation. From communicating with your session or board, to the importance of clear boundaries, these critical actions establish a foundation of trust for whatever comes next.

Sarah Ciavarri, M.Div. is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator-Consultant, Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, and a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. For eight years, Rev. Ciavarri has been a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on a variety of topics including resilience, vulnerability, and shame. She is a faculty member with Coaching4Today’s Leaders, as well as the author of Find Our Way to Truth: Seven Lies Leaders Believe and How to Let Them Go. Rev. Ciavarri has been the Director of Spiritual Care at Augustana Care in Apple Valley, MN for over 12 years.

Join our host, Rev. Sarah Ciavarri, and an engaged learning cohort of faith leaders live and online!

• Participate in four 2 hour webcast sessions

  Join us August 12, 19, 26, and September 2 (from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT) as we explore bi-vocational ministry.

• Discuss your experience within a safe context

  Throughout the course, breakout sessions will allow chances to discuss and apply what you’re learning with people asking the same questions as you.

• Develop Meaningful Connections

  Shifting from full-time to bi-vocational ministry can be stressful sometimes. That’s why it’s important to have people to turn to who understand the issues you’re facing. This course will allow you to build those relationships.