Blog

Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD

The article explains co-vocational ministry using systems theory, emphasizing that pastors function within interconnected relationships including family, congregation, other employment, denominations, and training institutions. Because these parts influence one another, challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. The article encourages a broader systems perspective to better understand and support co-vocational pastors.

By Rebeca Heringer

The article presents findings from a Canadian study exploring what helps co-vocational congregations thrive. Interviews with denominational leaders and pastors revealed that co-vocational ministry is often driven by mission and calling rather than financial necessity. Key themes include reducing stigma around co-vocational ministry, empowering lay leadership, denominational support, pastoral well-being, and rethinking theological education and credentialing.

Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD

The article uses a lens metaphor to rethink vocation in ministry. It argues that univocational and covocational categories miss most Christians who serve without pay, and that calling them “volunteers” is misleading. It rejects “avocational” and proposes “metavocational” to describe the shared calling of all believers in God’s mission.

Written by Rebecca Heringer

This article reflects on the 2025 Co-Vocational Canada Symposium, where church and academic leaders discussed the growing role of co-vocational ministry in Canada. It highlights key opportunities and challenges for pastors serving both in the church and in outside employment, and explores how denominations and seminaries can better support this emerging model of ministry.

Written by Brittany Koleba

This reflection invites pastors to shift from pressure, comparison, and competition toward trust in Jesus and unity within the wider church. It reframes ministry away from growth metrics and self-focus, calling leaders to partnership, humility, and a Christ-centred vision of success.

Written by Brittany Koleba

In a personal reflection from a Sunday service, this blog explores the pressure pastors’ families feel to appear perfect. Through honest self-awareness, it invites readers to reject shame and comparison, and to embrace grace, vulnerability, and authentic life before God and others.