• They work 40-plus hours a week, give spiritual leadership to their churches and remain engaged in the lives of their families. No, not supermen—bivocational pastors.

    Fulfilling roles in every area from senior pastor to interim, thousand of bivocational pastors and ministers serve Southern Baptist and Canadian churches across North America.

    They are the Iron Men of the SBC.

    		  
    Download Videos
     

    “Most of (these men) don’t swim, bike and run, but they are the Iron Men of the SBC. They hold down full-time jobs, pastor churches and take care of their families."

    —Tim Dowdy
    Pastor, Eagles Landing First Baptist Church
    McDonough, Ga

    .     		 

    “Bivocational pastors are vital to planting churches across North America. They are double-duty ministers, willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference for Christ in their communities,”

    —Ray Gilder, National Coordinator
    National Bivocational/Small Church Leadership Network 
    dowdy    td-logo 

    As a tribute to Iron Men of the SBC, Georgia pastor Tim Dowdy is participating in an Ironman Triathlon on Nov. 3. Each day until then he is posting devotions and sermon ideas as a resource for bivocational pastors. Check back here each day, or visit his blog directly at timdowdy.org.

     

    Iron Men of the SBC Scholarship

    The North American Mission Board and Union University have partnered to provide an incredible opportunity with Iron Men of the SBC scholarships, specifically designed for bivocational lead pastors or church planters who need financial assistance pursuing a master’s degree.  

    What kind of scholarship is it? An all-tuition paid scholarship for a fully accredited 33-hour online Master’s Degree in Theology from Union University in Jackson, Tenn. U.S. News and World Report ranks Union as one of the top 20 universities in the south.

    How long will the degree take? Since it’s an online degree, you can schedule your master’s degree classes to work around your busy schedule of work, church and family. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years. As a fully paid tuition scholarship, you need only provide the cost of books and fees.

    How do I get more information? Send an email to ironman@namb.net for more information, or you can fill out the an application and email it to ironman@namb.net. One of our Leadership Development Team staff members will contact you.

    Related Content