Called By Whom, To What, To Where?

A Critique of Co-vocationalism

Abstract

Covocationalism is being promoted as a new strategy for many North American church planters. Several churches and practitioners have affirmed this vocational model, but the term itself has received little academic attention. The definition is nearly identical to bi-vocationalism, except co-vocational ministers feel called to remain in marketplace jobs indefinitely while also planting a church. The term marks a deliberate shift toward a missional mindset in which church planters steer away from traditional church models that might anticipate or desire "full-time" clergy. This research critiques the conceptual framework of the covocational model by examining underlying assumptions. Readers will be able to learn more about the historical emergence of the term and consider key biblical texts related to ministerial vocation. While there are practical and corrective aspects about covocationalism, this study argues the concept may unintentionally contribute to ministerial burnout and cause more confusion if it is widely promoted and uncritically adopted.