The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry

Rating:
Summary: Seminary trained bivocational pastors...
Review: don't waste your time or money on this book. While Bickers has had great success as a bivocational pastor, most of us could have written this better ourselves (if we had the time!). His format is anti-intellectual, denominational specific, poorly organized, and is more of a testimonial than a solid pastoral resource. Bickers gives no suggestions on how to manage time properly as a bivocational pastor, but rather just gives one story after another of his experience. The book is pure experience, which he even admits is "just him." His lack of scholarly, theological training makes this book a waste of money and time- two things bivocational pastors have very little of. A big disappointment. Recommend to avoid.

Rating:
Summary: THE bivocational resource
Review: I picked this book up looking for info on being a tentmaking missionary - which is merely bivocational ministry that happens in a cross-cultural setting. It has been a cornerstone of my resources on the topic, especially since it is (1) practical, (2) explores the unique BENEFITS to bivocational ministry, and not just how to mitigate the weaknesses and (3) the only resource I've found written from the perspective of 20 years of bivocational experience (most are theories on what bivocational ministry might or should be like - Bickers tells it like it is). An excellent (and inexpensive) resource.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent,, even for the lay person !
Review: This is an excellent book. It's easy to read and offers thoughtful insight to the "joys" and the pitfalls of bivocational ministry. Rev. Bickers has provided an exceptional reference tool for those considering the ministry and for churches who may be considering hiring a bivocational minister. For the lay person, it provides an understanding of the cycles churches can sometimes fall into and a positive way to break that cycle. It has also left me with a better appreciation of my pastor and I've learned bivocational definately does not mean part time!