The Tentmaker's Dilemma and Joy

This is the first time I have tried the tentmaking approach to ministry.  I love the fact that it gives me the ability to volunteer in various ways, instead of being a financial burden on those I wish to serve.  However, there are times when work and ministry conflict, at which point I must decide whether to go be the hands and feet of Jesus, or whether to stay back and earn some money that will later enable me to be His hands and feet.  It is an interesting balance I have never had to maintain before, which has given me increased respect for everyone working in "the secular world" and also striving for that balance.  Erring to either side can be costly as one sets up work and money as an idol, and the other side fails to be a careful steward of the opportunities and resources provided by the Lord.

Being a tentmaker has also taught me to be more grateful for work and opportunities to earn an income when they come my way.  Growing up I always thought of work as "that annoying thing that gets in the way of having fun."  After working at a camp for a number of years, I came to learn how much fun work can be.  And now I'm also learning that work can enable fun and service later.  Every hour of work is one more opportunity to take someone out to lunch, another bit of gas to drive a friend to the airport, or maybe just the money to pay rent and stay one more month in this beautiful city God has placed me in.

So I take my hat off to all of you who have been balancing earning an income and serving others for years now.  And I also want to encourage you as you plug in one more hour at the office, one more late night waiting tables, or however you currently find yourself employed.  Remember that every dollar into your pocket is another dollar you can use to bless someone.  Get creative in what that looks like, and you might find that grueling job to be a little more enjoyable when it is a means to someone else's happiness.


"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
     "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"  - Matthew 25:37-40