The effect of the side hustle on ministry …

In today’s ministry landscape, pastors face a curious tension: some are compelled to take on side hustles simply to make ends meet, while others — despite not needing the extra income — are still encouraged to dive into entrepreneurial ventures. The pressure to have a side hustle is becoming almost expected in some circles, with advocates claiming it’s a path to personal growth, broader influence, or simply staying relevant in an ever-changing culture.

But what does this push for side hustles really mean for the pastor, the church, and the ministry at large? Is it helping, or is it quietly undermining the very calling that pastors are meant to focus on?

For an increasing number of pastors, side hustles are not just a personal choice, they’re a financial necessity. In smaller churches or those with limited resources, pastors often struggle to make ends meet on their ministry salary alone. This is especially true for those who serve in part-time or bi-vocational roles. According to a study by the Barna Group, nearly one in four pastors supplement their income with other work to support their families.

While it might seem like a simple solution, the stress of managing multiple jobs can take a toll. Pastors already carry heavy burdens, from sermon preparation and pastoral care to other leadership responsibilities. Adding a side hustle into the mix only intensifies the challenge of juggling these duties with the demands of family life and personal well-being.

Research into the mental health of pastors highlights a growing issue: burnout. The stress of trying to maintain a healthy church ministry while managing additional work can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, diminishing a pastor’s capacity to fully invest in their primary calling. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, burnout is a significant concern for church leaders, with over 40 percent reporting high levels of stress and fatigue.

In some circles, the idea of a side hustle is championed as an avenue for personal growth and ministry expansion. Pastors are urged to explore business ventures, freelance work, or creative projects that can elevate their profile and supposedly extend their influence. The notion is that pastors, especially those in larger or more established churches, can benefit from a broader platform that includes speaking engagements, book deals, or entrepreneurial ventures.

While this rationale sounds plausible, the reality is that it’s built on false premises. First, it assumes that a pastor’s primary role is to maintain public influence through external ventures rather than focusing on their spiritual responsibility to the church. The truth is, the pastor’s primary calling is to shepherd the flock and to equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). However, that responsibility doesn’t stop within the walls of the church. A pastor’s role is not just to nurture the internal life of the church but to also help equip church members to be effective disciple-makers themselves. The church is meant to be outwardly focused, with leaders fostering spiritual maturity in members so they can go out and spread the gospel (Ephesians 4:11-12, Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

The encouragement for pastors to become entrepreneurs or content creators often arises from a mindset that emphasizes external achievement over spiritual health and ministry depth. The expectation that pastors must be publicly influential outside the pulpit can distort their purpose and prioritize secondary pursuits over God’s mission. While reaching people outside of the church is a valid goal, this should not come at the expense of a pastor’s ability to focus on the pastoral work of equipping and discipling church members who are actively engaging in the mission of the church.

Furthermore, there is a deeply flawed assumption that being involved in business or side projects will automatically enhance a pastor’s ministry. While some argue that a broader platform could benefit the church through increased exposure, the reality is that a pastor who is constantly focused on side hustles will likely have less energy and time for direct ministry to their congregation or actually ministry within the community. The Apostle Paul, while at times working as a tentmaker to support himself, emphasized in his letters that his primary calling was to preach the gospel. Pastors today face a similar tension: Should they prioritize their spiritual work, or should they spread themselves thinner for financial or personal gain? The answer lies in understanding that ministry, when fully embraced, demands undivided attention and dedication.

This push to have a side hustle also feeds into the cultural obsession with productivity and constant activity, which sees worth in doing more rather than doing what’s most aligned with one’s calling. It’s as if simply being “busy” in various roles equates to some kind of “spiritual productivity,” even though the opposite is often true: busyness can distract from genuine spiritual depth and effectiveness in ministry.

While the side hustle mentality may seem appealing, the reality is more complex. Research shows that engaging in multiple roles, especially if those roles are demanding, can significantly affect a pastor’s ability to perform their ministry duties effectively. Here’s a closer look at some key impacts:

1. Time and energy drain. One of the most obvious effects of managing a side hustle is the drain on time and energy. Pastors who juggle preaching, biblical counseling, and other ministry-related tasks with outside work often find themselves stretched thin. A report from the American Journal of Pastoral Counseling found that the average pastor spends 50+ hours a week on ministry-related duties alone, not including time spent on a secondary job. The cumulative effect of this can lead to diminishing returns, where both the quality of ministry and the side hustle itself begin to suffer.

2. Emotional and mental health strain. The stress of balancing a side hustle with pastoral responsibilities can lead to burnout. According to a study from Christianity Today, over 50 percent of pastors report feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, with many also dealing with depression and anxiety. The constant pressure to succeed in both ministry and business ventures can lead to significant emotional tolls, affecting a pastor’s ability to serve their congregation well.

3. Neglect of personal relationships and rest. Pastoral ministry is already demanding, requiring emotional and spiritual investment. When a pastor adds side hustles into the mix, personal relationships and rest often take a backseat. This imbalance can have negative consequences for a pastor’s family life, their own spiritual health, and even their relationship with the church community. Jesus himself modeled the importance of rest, frequently retreating to solitude for prayer, rest, and reflection (Mark 6:31). Pastors are not immune to the need for the same kind of rest.

4. Undermining the core focus of ministry. When pastors prioritize side hustles, their ability to lead with clarity and conviction can be compromised. Effective pastoral leadership requires persistent engagement with the spiritual and emotional needs of the congregation, as well as a deep focus on prayer, study, and discernment. A pastor whose attention is divided between ministry and outside ventures may struggle to make decisions, lead effectively, and invest in long-term, meaningful relationships within the church. The result is not just a lack of time, it’s a lack of depth and presence in the ministry itself. Without the full focus and energy required for shepherding, the church suffers from weakened leadership, which ultimately affects its spiritual vitality and growth.

The Bible is not silent on the topic of work and provision. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, “But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” For pastors, this is a call to care for their families, which may involve taking on a side hustle when necessary.

However, scripture also teaches the value of rest and the importance of maintaining focus on the calling God has given us. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs his followers to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, with the assurance that “… he will give you everything you need.” This promise emphasizes trust in God’s provision, even for pastors who feel pressured to add side hustles to their plate.

The side hustle trend in ministry is a double-edged sword. For some, it provides necessary financial relief and an opportunity for personal growth. However, for many, it leads to burnout, emotional strain, and a dilution of the focus required for effective ministry. Church leaders should recognize the complex nature of this issue and support pastors in discerning the right course of action, whether that involves taking on additional work or focusing on their God-given calling to shepherd their congregations.

Ultimately, while side hustles may be unavoidable for some, pastors should not feel pressured to engage in them if they are not necessary. Churches must ensure their pastors are supported both financially and spiritually, allowing them to thrive in their ministry without sacrificing their personal well-being or neglecting their families.