How many people simply can’t survive longterm on their salary? A lot.
The quiet story behind many people working out of a deep life mission (pastors, non-profit leaders, teachers, coaches, etc.) feel a deep sense of purpose in what they do but are struggling to provide for their family.
Let me show my poker hand; I believe mission, money and meaning can work together. Do you believe that? If one of those isn’t present your ministry journey isn’t sustainable long-term.
So, why don’t we talk more about this secret?
Non-profit often feel allergic to this conversation and bristle at the first mention of money. Others believe when ministry and non-profit leaders start businesses they are abandoning their calling. Most leaders aren’t starting side hustles to abandon their work; they’re starting them so they can continue their work.
I want to clarify something; I believe in all forms of (ethical) provision. In fact, my family lives off three buckets; pastoral salary, support raising and funds from my business. There is dignity in all forms of provision, but that doesn’t mean you will feel equal purpose in all of them. Some leaders seem uniquely wired for each of these three. If you truly want to start and sustain a side hustle (not just fill a momentary financial gap) you need to sense deep purpose in it.
I’ve been an entrepreneur as long as I can remember. I’ve always been able to make a buck. I grew a landscaping business to four employees at seventeen years old. When I began my pastoral journey I thought the entrepreneurial piece of me simply had to die. Coaching leaders and training church planters tapped into entrepreneurial impulses, but something was always missing.
Through necessity I began to monetize some coaching and speaking I had previously done for free. My business, Stay Forth Designs, sprouted from the convergence of helping leaders thrive and providing for my growing family. I have never felt as free to be myself as I do today. I can’t wait to get to work each day. I am privileged to say my work requires my best self all the time. I can even say starting a legitimate business has been healing. I’m watching similar stories unfold for a lot of other ministry leaders too.
This is a great time to be alive, but it’s a confusing time to be alive. Social media allows us to compare ourselves to others. Multiple. Times. A. Day. New creative pursuits are budding like never before. Groups are collaborating in beautiful ways. There are lots of possibilities, but this can be paralyzing. Anyone can start a side hustle, but it’s hard work. Here’s some practical advice if you’re considering launching a side hustle.
Where to start thinking about your side hustle…
Ask those who know you well what they envision you doing as a side hustle.
Analyze what you like to do as a hobby that you could monetize.
Seek advice from people who understand business and are “for” you.
Stop comparing yourself to others and their side hustles.
Never start a side hustle to fit in with other leaders you admire.
Questions to ask about your side hustle idea…
What value might it add to your ministry role?
What skills from your ministry role can you leverage to launch it?
How might it endanger your full-time ministry role?
How much energy will it take to sustain every week?
How much cash will it take to start? Where will you find that cash?
How could it connect you with new people?
What would you do if it was wildly successful?
We will keep writing more about mission, meaning and money in the coming months. Keep following along!