12 Possible Covocational Marketplace Callings
A Covocational Church Planter balances the dual role of planting a church while maintaining a career outside of traditional ministry. The right marketplace vocation for a Covo planter should allow flexibility, align with the planter's skills, and complement their church planting strategy. Here are several vocations that could be a good fit.
1. Teaching/Education
Teaching roles often offer flexible schedules, extended breaks, and the opportunity to invest in people’s lives. Being a teacher allows for intentional relationships and can serve as a platform for mentoring, community building, and leadership development.
2. Entrepreneurship/Small Business Owner
Owning a business provides flexibility with work hours and the ability to connect with the community. Entrepreneurs often have influence in their local area. It also allows integration of faith principles into the marketplace.
3. Consulting
Consulting offers flexibility and can provide an opportunity to work part-time or on a project basis. Consulting roles often involve leadership development and strategic thinking, which can benefit church planting efforts.
4. Real Estate
Real estate agents often have flexible schedules. Additionally, real estate offers opportunities to network with people in the community and build relationships.
5. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Marketing, Web Development)
Freelancers can control their own schedules. These roles can often be done remotely, allowing for mobility and flexibility in managing multiple commitments.
6. Healthcare (Nursing, Therapy, etc.)
Healthcare roles, such as nursing, physical therapy, or counseling, often offer shift-based work, which can create flexibility. Additionally, healthcare vocations are people-centered, offering many opportunities to demonstrate care, build relationships, and show God’s love in practical ways.
7. Social Work/Nonprofit Sector
Working in a nonprofit or social work capacity allows individuals to be deeply involved in the needs of the community. This can align well with the mission focus of church planting.
8. Trades (Carpentry, Electrician, Plumber)
Skilled trades often offer flexibility with self-employment or project-based work. These professions also create regular interactions with different people in the community, opening doors for relationship-building and outreach.
9. Technology (Software Developer, IT Specialist, Cybersecurity)
Many technology roles allow for remote work or flexible schedules. The tech industry also offers potential for significant income.
10. Sales
Sales roles, particularly those that offer commission-based income, often come with a degree of schedule control and flexibility. Salespeople are also in regular contact with the public, giving opportunities for engagement and relationship-building.
11. Financial Planning/Advising
Financial advisors often work flexible hours and build long-term relationships with clients, which can provide opportunities to engage in deeper conversations about life and values. This vocation also allows the church planter to manage their time effectively while helping individuals and families with their financial futures.
12. Hospitality Industry (Restaurant Owner, Coffee Shop Manager)
Owning or managing a business in the hospitality sector, such as a restaurant or coffee shop, provides many opportunities for community engagement and relationship-building. These businesses can also serve as gathering spaces for church-related events or small group meetings, creating a natural overlap between vocation and ministry.
Key Considerations:
Flexibility: The vocation should provide enough adaptability to accommodate the demands of church planting.
Relational Engagement: Vocations that involve regular interaction with people offer natural opportunities for discipleship, evangelism, and community-building.
Sustainability: The chosen career should be financially sustainable to support both personal needs and the needs of the church. It is especially helpful if the marketplace calling includes insurance, vacation, and retirement benefits.
