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Missionary Tent Making
We probably need to start by defining "tent making." It is referring to Paul's "secular" occupation in life. While he was building the Kingdom and preaching the Gospel, he also at times was working with his own hands to provide support for himself and sometimes also. (I will leave the Bible Study to you.) Suffice it to say, there is no ONE sacred way for God's workers to provide for themselves. Like everything else, we need to be led by His Spirit to determine how the Lord would want to provide for us in each season of life. Those who say it is WRONG to work a "secular" job, or have a business along with your missions work simply aren't scripturally accurate. So - if you have been feeling prompted by the Lord to do some "tent making," know you are on solid ground, and I pray this information will assist you on your journey! Two types of Tent Making A. Seasonal: There may come a time when you need to take on a full or part time job. This happened to me one summer as a pastor. We had just added an assistant pastor to our staff and that summer cash flow was tight. I felt led to go back and work for my uncle for a summer, and have the staff pastor stay on at the church full time. Not conventional thinking, but it worked out fine. Not only did we make it through the summer financially, the Lord used that season in my life to remind and show me the current "atmosphere" of the culture. Sometimes we as "full time" Christian workers can lose touch with the reality of the work-a-day world in which our flock or unsaved target group lives. B. Bi-vocational: This simply means creating income for yourself along side your support raising. Most do this out of necessity; I do it now out of calling. By being both a business man and a missionary, I find that more doors open for me then if I wasn't tent-making. Many missionaries have gifts or talents that can be used by God, not only to provide income, but to influence the market place for the Gospel - or at least towards a Biblical World View. That is the best key I can give you if you are going to create some income along side your full time work in missions - if at all possible have it be something that you enjoy and you get to operate in one of your talents or gifts. These are just some ideas to get you thinking and praying about the possibilities: *If you enjoy computer work, you could do work for others on your favorite programs: data entry, web site building, power point presentations, etc. *If you have a craft you like to make, the world has become everyone's market place now - sell your creations on eBay. *Is there an area in business or life that you are an "expert"? Do some consulting or coaching work on the side. *If you enjoy helping people, find a network marketing company that provides a product you can enjoy and share. Network marketing is the choice endorsed by leading success gurus simply because it includes the education necessary for success along with a business. I've created a fun aptitude test to take that will determine if you are wired for your own home business. It is free -
home business aptitude test.
Remember we are partners with our supporters. I've preached for 25+ years as a pastor, businessman, and now a missionary - It doesn't matter where we get a paycheck, we are ALL in FULL TIME ministry! Once you understand this revelation you will have a greater affinity with your supporters. Thus you will be able to partner with your supporters more effectively, AND be more open for the Lord to lead you into further creativity or opportunities to see the Kingdom come through your tent making (side work or own business) as you labor for the Gospel as a missionary. If you would like to know more about
Christian Network Marketing, click here.
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