"An overwhelming majority (68 percent) of these bi-vocational clergy are doing what they are doing by choice. Even more importantly 75 percent indicated that their preference now that they were doing bi-vocational ministry was for bi-vocational over a full-time pastorate. They were not there merely because they were not capable or qualified but because of a firm commitment to this type of ministry." [Quote p.7]

"Our findings indicate that 75 percent felt positive about themselves professionally while only 25 percent felt like second-class clergy."

"When asked to rate their overall level of satisfaction with being in bi-vocational ministry two-thirds indicated high to very high satisfaction. The results were as follows: 6 = 26%; 5 = 40%; 4 = 18%; 3 = 10%; 2 = 4%; 1 = 2%" [Quote p.10]

"Episcopal worker-priests had the highest levels of satisfaction: 78 percent indicated a 5 or 6 level of satisfaction [on the overall satisfaction scale] with only 11 percent at a rating of 3 or lower."  [Quote p.10]

"When asked to compare the level of stress found in bi-vocational ministry with that of a full-time pastorate the response was quite mixed. Thirty-five percent regarded bi-vocational as more stressful. On the opposite side about the same number (37 percent) saw it as less stressful. Close to the same amount saw no real difference (28 percent). " [Quote p.12]

"More United Church of Christ pastors (61 percent) were positive about their denominational support than any other group ... Episcopalians [were] 44 percent positive 56 percent negative.  ...  Underlying most of the concerns were

1. feelings of lack of connection and distance from denominational staff people
2. feelings of being unappreciated and being used simply to fill openings too small for preferred full-time pastors and
3. too little concern for their schedules in setting meeting times. ... 

... It is clear that most bi-vocational clergy want to be connected with their denominational structures and personnel particularly at the associational and middle judicatory levels. No doubt any lack of support is not intentional by judicatory leaders; rather it appears to be basically a failure to think sufficiently bi-vocationally."[Quote pp.15-16]

1. seminaries need to help students from the start to reflect on bi-vocational models both theologically and practically.
2. denominational personnel offices need to analyze their forms to make certain bi-vocational ministries are fully included in the search and call process.
3. seminary and denominational leaders need to consider the needs of bi-vocational clergy in planning continuing education and fellowship events.
4. successful bi-vocational models need to be visibly celebrated within judicatories.
5. bi-vocational clergy themselves need to avoid a passive victim posture in relation to their professional ministry role as well as with the denominational structures.