by Deborah Chan
Balancing a career and ministry is challenging, but Rachel Ongkili, a lawyer, business owner, and pastor, has found a way to do both.
Bi-vocational ministry is growing in significance today, allowing pastors to integrate faith into their professions and impact lives beyond Sunday services. After ten years in bi-vocational ministry, Rachel shares valuable lessons on successfully managing both roles.
#1: Trusting God’s Call, Even When It’s Unexpected
Rachel’s journey into bi-vocational ministry began unexpectedly in 2015 when her senior pastor, Ps Dr Philip Lyn, invited her to join the pastoral team at Skyline SIB in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. At that time, she had already been serving in various leadership roles within the church, including as a connect group leader and mentor.
While she hadn’t anticipated becoming a pastor, Rachel had always felt a calling to nurture and teach others, particularly the next generation. “I didn’t think this calling had to be fulfilled through the office of a pastor, but God provided the opportunity to exercise my gifts through bi-vocational pastoring,” she reflects. The support and encouragement from her senior pastor were pivotal in her decision to embrace this role, as she trusted that God had a plan for her.
#2: Spiritual Practices Are Key to Staying Grounded
Balancing multiple vocations, including the heavy demands of pastoring, requires intentional spiritual practices. For Rachel, three key disciplines keep her grounded: listening, discernment, and rest.
Listening, she explains, is not just a physical act but involves being open to God and others. It helps her prioritise what’s important in different seasons and make decisions confidently. “Listening, coupled with discernment, helps me know where God needs me to be,” she says.
Equally vital is the practice of rest. “Rest positions me to receive God’s grace, so I can give my best to all He’s called me to,” she explained.
Taking time to recharge helps her stay focused on God’s purpose. “Discipline in rest eventually gives way to delight in the Lord,” she adds.
For Rachel, this means slowing down each week, connecting with God, and enjoying moments with loved ones—even her dogs.
#3: Bi-Vocational Ministry Is Not ‘Part-Time’
A common misconception about bi-vocational ministry is that it’s something done on a part-time basis, usually on weekends. Rachel is quick to debunk this. “Bi-vocational pastoring is anything but part-time,” she says. It has become fully integrated into her life, a natural part of who she is, whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
“We’re committed to pastoring whenever we’re needed. This isn’t something we switch off once Sunday service is over,” she explains.
Rachel and her fellow bi-vocational pastors often joke that they’re “overtime” pastors, always on call to serve the church and care for their people.
#4: Balancing Work and Ministry Requires Intentionality
One of Rachel’s biggest challenges is finding time for all her roles—pastor, lawyer, business owner and family member. She admits that managing her time is an ongoing journey of intentionality and discipline. Instead of overloading her calendar, Rachel ensures she builds in margins for flexibility. This allows her to respond to sudden needs in ministry or unexpected moments of divine opportunity.
Dealing with people’s expectations in the workplace is another unique challenge.
“Once people know you’re a pastor, their expectations shift,” Rachel observes. Some may try to exploit her kindness, while others expect pastors always to be calm and never raise objections. Balancing truth and kindness is something she navigates daily, knowing that her ultimate accountability is to God.
#5: The Joy of Integrating Faith into Secular Work
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of bi-vocational ministry for Rachel has been seeing how God works in her secular career, not just in church on Sundays.
“By living an integrated life, I don’t separate what man considers sacred and secular. God works the same, whether it’s Sunday at church or a weekday in the office,” she shares. For Rachel, this integrated approach has made life meaningful every day.
It allows her to live out her faith authentically, whether she’s handling legal matters, leading a business, or ministering to her church.
“Being salt and light is truly a reality, and I get to walk this out every moment of my life.”
A Different but Fulfilling Expression of Pastoral Calling
Bi-vocational pastoring may not be for everyone, but for Rachel, it has been a fulfilling expression of her pastoral calling. As she celebrates nine years in this role, her journey underscores that ministry can thrive beyond church walls. She cites the Apostle Paul as a biblical example.
“God is glorified through both full-time ministry and bi-vocational pastoring,” Rachel affirms.
