Mail Bag and the Pulpit
In the Diocese of Wisconsin, we celebrate the diverse ways our clergy live out their callings. For some, ministry happens not only from the pulpit on Sunday mornings but also from behind the wheel of a delivery truck or at the counter of a local business. Balancing bi-vocational ministry is no small feat, yet it beautifully mirrors the life of Christ, who walked among us in ordinary, everyday spaces.
Father Christian Maxfield—delivering mail and miracles.
Take Father Christian Maxfield, for example. By day, he delivers the mail with a smile as a local Rural Carrier Associate for the United States Postal Service. By night and weekends, he tends to the spiritual needs of his congregation with equal dedication and care. For him, these two roles are not separate but deeply intertwined. As with most priests who are bi-vocational, he does have a desire for full-time ministry but has fit together two jobs in a way that fits his heart for service.
“First off, they call me “the Rev” at the post office which is pretty fun. If you have to do another job as a clergyman, it is always nice if they can complement one another. Now, I do joke around some about daring to bring together “church and state”, being both a cleric and a federal employee, and I haven’t had any trouble yet. I have even had some good conversations with other postal workers, and I look forward to the day when someone might venture in for a weekday or Sunday service. An uncanny coincidence which has repeated itself a few times has been the occasion to deliver pet cremains to our local veterinarian. I thought it fortuitous to have a cleric deliver someone’s beloved pet’s cremains back to them to take home; and when I do, I do so with a prayer and blessing for the family who will receive them. This is just one place where I am delighted to see my new role of cleric and postman come together nicely and I look forward to more.”
Ensuring even cremated remains receive first-class spiritual care.
When your locker is labeled 'REV' but they forgot to include room for a halo. Classic oversight.
Bivocational clergy like Fr. Maxfield remind us that the call to serve God is not confined to church walls. It extends into neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday encounters. The balance can be challenging—preparing sermons between delivery routes or attending parish meetings after a long shift—but the reward is a profound connection to both the sacred and the secular.
Finding a synergistic job is key for bivocational clergy. Here are some actionable ideas for finding roles that align with both professional and spiritual callings:
Teaching or Education: Consider roles in schools, community colleges, or adult education programs where you can share knowledge and foster meaningful relationships.
Counseling or Social Work: These fields often provide opportunities to offer care and guidance, connecting deeply with individuals in need.
Healthcare Chaplaincy: Serving in hospitals or clinics as a chaplain allows you to minister to patients and staff during pivotal moments.
Nonprofit or Community Outreach Roles: Jobs with local charities or organizations focused on community support align naturally with ministry values.
Service Industry Jobs: Roles like a postman, barista, or rideshare driver provide frequent contact with the community and opportunities for everyday ministry.
Freelance or Remote Work: Flexible jobs in writing, graphic design, or consulting allow you to manage your schedule while maintaining your ministry focus.
Part-Time Parish Administration: Supporting another church or diocese in an administrative capacity could be a great fit for clergy with organizational skills.
Creative Arts: If you have skills in music, art, or writing, consider roles or freelance opportunities that let you integrate creativity and ministry.
Reflect on your unique skills and passions, and seek opportunities aligning with your professional and spiritual callings.
As we explore new ways to share the Gospel, let us honor the creativity, adaptability, and resilience of those who serve in this way. Examples like Fr. Christian Maxfield and his dedication remind us that ministry is not just what we do on Sundays but how we live every day.
