CREATIVE BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTRY

 

While directing plays at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, some of the best sets I ever saw were designed and constructed by Tim Graf when he was a student.

Tim has developed that skill into a deliberate bi-vocational ministry over the past twenty years. In 2002 he moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a two-fold goal. He and his family began Nature’s Edge Construction and Northland Bible Baptist Church.

Many people see bi-vocational ministry as a job which enables a pastor to do the important work of the church. Tim has come to see both his construction work and the church work as equal ministries to which God has directed him. People who are not from the church stop in at the Cabinet shop to ask theological questions. Four families have joined Northland Church as a direct result of construction work done in their homes. Many others have visited the church, including contractors and home owners.

Northland Bible Baptist Church has their own building on fourteen acres of land. Pastor Graf writes, “God has graced us with a theologically grounded church family of diverse ages who are hungry for the truths of God’s Word.”

Now Tim is working on a DMin program at Shepherd’s Seminary, writing a dissertation which focuses on bi-vocational ministry. He would love to hear from others involved in bi-vocational service, or from those who are aware of historical examples of such a ministry.

Tim can be contacted at PastorTimGraf@yahoo.com