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A. INTRODUCTION

Since July 2024, in consultation from the elders, I have been volunteering with Tonkawa Fire/EMS with the goal of gaining employment. After passing my National Registry Exam and obtaining my EMT state license in March 2025, and completing my Firefighter 1 Certification in November 2025, that goal is now not just a possibility, but a reality; I got the job!

Below I have listed my reasons for this pursuit. 

B. CLC'S SOLID LEADERSHIP

Our elders, deacons, staff, & members in our mission are doing good work. CLC is not a one-man show, but a group of willing and competent colaborers. These men and women are the primary reason this path is even remotely a possibility. 

C. BIBLICAL PRECEDENT

In some ministry contexts (Phillipi), Paul was paid, but in others (Corinth & Thessalonica), he worked as tent-maker while performing his ministry. My plan, which is becoming an increasingly common practice (as seen in letter D below) , is a mixture of both. 

D. CULTURAL PRECEDENT

According to a 2025 Lifeway Research study,  35% of all clergy are bivocational; an increase from 28% in 2001. Among Protestants specifically, the percentage is 47%. Part of what drives those statistics is negative (shrinking churches, shrinking budgets, etc) and part is positive (churches and pastors viewing bivocational ministry as a blessing to both the pastor, church, and community.)

E. OPTIMAL SCHEDULE FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY

The EMT/Fire schedule is 24 hours on, 48 hours off. During those 24 hours, not every waking moment is spent “working.” This means, outside of the daily prep, training, and maintenance of the station & equipment, much of the job is waiting and being ready for the next time the tone goes off.

This schedule allows time for church work during those 24 hours "on", after my department responsibilities are handled. 

F. MINISTRY INCREASE

I will have opportunities for evangelism and discipleship nearly every shift. On top of being with patients in homes and in the ambulance, and simply being "out" in the community more, for 24 hours a day, 9 days a month, I’m with 1-2 other firemen. 

G. IMPROVES CLC'S FINANCIAL PICTURE

For over a decade, I have been tremendously blessed financially by CLC as a janitor, youth pastor, and now pastor. However, in a church and town of Tonkawa’s size, math and common sense says the salary for my position will eventually be capped. If I’m able to be compensated by other work, and therefore the church can pay me less, CLC becomes more financially viable. That opens the possibility of more budget breathing room, adding pastors (see "Placeholder" in 2026 proposed budget), putting more money toward ministries, or paying off the building faster. 

H. IMPROVES REESE'S FINANCIAL PICTURE

Not only will the church benefit, so will my family. Along with a salary, the Fire Department provides a pension & health insurance.

Further, this also provides a parachute for my family. If, God forbid, things aren’t working out with me as the pastor and/or the church faces a financial crisis, I would still be able to do my job as a husband and father and provide for my family with a career. 

I. I REALLY ENJOY THE WORK

Working with the fire department the last 18 months has given me a ton of life. I enjoy the camaraderie, working on a team, putting out fires, and helping people in a bad spot. 

J. POTENTIAL PITFALLS: FAMILY AND/OR MINISTRY SUFFER

This is a potential problem for everyone, whether they have 1 job, 2 jobs, or no jobs. Pastors (and everyone else) have to be diligent in prioritizing their family.

Along with family life potentially taking a hit, so could ministry. If I become too preoccupied or tired, zeal could wane, people could slip through the cracks, tasks might not get completed, etc. 

Another possible pitfall is that Members could possibly feel like they're getting the short end of the stick, thinking that I’m not fully committed to my role and duties here, or feel insulted that, by looking for extra work, I’m communicating that I'm not appreciative of the support I’ve received. 

K. PATH FORWARD

Now that this is no longer hypothetical, but real, we will be "building the plane while flying it"; meaning, figuring out what works and what doesn't and making changes as needed. 

I'm excited and covet your prayers. 

Maranatha, 

Josh