You know that moment when you’re driving home from your day job, already thinking about Sunday’s sermon, and then it hits you—you still need to figure out how to cover the kids’ soccer fees and the car repair that popped up last week? Yeah… that’s real life for most bi-vocational pastors.
Money stress can creep in fast when you’re juggling ministry and another job, but with a little intentional planning, it doesn’t have to run the show. One of the best tools you can use is a simple home budget.
Building a Simple Home Budget
Step 1: Know What’s Coming In
Start with your income. Write down what you bring home from your church role, your other job, and any side work or gifts. Don’t just use your “best” month—take an average. That way, you won’t be surprised when things dip a little.
Step 2: Watch Where It’s Going
For 30 days, track every single expense. Yes, even that $4 coffee you grab between work and a hospital visit. You’ll be amazed at how much slips through without you noticing. I was shocked to see how much Taco Bell was costing me!
Step 3: Cover the Essentials First
Think of your budget like sermon prep: you start with the main point before you add illustrations. Begin with housing, food, transportation, and utilities. Once those are covered, move on to things like debt payments, giving, savings, and extras.
Step 4: Assign Every Dollar
This is where the stress lifts. If you’ve got $200 left after expenses, decide before the month starts whether it’s going to savings, paying off debt, or a family outing. A dollar without a job is like a church volunteer without direction—they’ll wander.
Step 5: Build a Ministry Buffer
Here’s a pastor-specific tip: create a small line in your budget just for ministry opportunities. That way, when you feel led to help someone in the congregation or support a missionary, you can do it joyfully—without wrecking your grocery money.
Step 6: Review and Adjust
Budgets aren’t “set it and forget it.” At the end of the month, take 15 minutes to look it over. What worked? What needs tweaking? Life shifts, and your budget should too.
Great Free Budget Resource Here
Beyond the Budget: Big Picture Financial Tips
Keep Church and Personal Money Separate
It might feel easier to lump everything together, but keeping your church and personal finances separate protects you legally and ethically. It also makes tax season cleaner and avoids awkward questions from your church board. Limit reimbursements and always separate personal expenses from church funds. Use a mileage log app (or notebook) for ministry miles—you’ll thank yourself later.
Save for the Future (Yes, Even a Little)
Retirement can feel like a distant dream when you’re just trying to make it through the month, but even small contributions matter. If your day job offers a retirement match, sign up—that’s free money. If not, start a Roth IRA and commit to putting in something each month. The habit matters more than the amount. Trust me, you will one day regret not doing this. (Check out our video Financial Tips for Pastors by Pastor Phil)
Let Your “Other” Job Work for You
Your second job isn’t just a paycheck—it can be a tool for your family’s long-term stability. Benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, or flexible hours are often more valuable than raw salary. Don’t overlook them, and if possible, look for ways to maximize those benefits.
Protect Your Time as Much as Your Wallet
Finances aren’t just about money—they’re about energy. Burnout leads to bad financial choices, from overspending on convenience food to neglecting budgeting altogether. Guard your time. Set boundaries, schedule rest, and learn to say no. Sometimes the best financial move isn’t earning more—it’s staying healthy enough to serve well over the long haul.
Final Word
At the end of the day, being bi-vocational is a balancing act. But with a little planning—and a home budget that actually works—you can lead your family and your church with less financial stress and more freedom to say “yes” to the call God’s put on your life.