Bi-vocational pastor is Florida’s ‘Outstanding Smaller Church Pastor of the Year’

FBC photo

Bi-vocational Pastor Neal Thompson (l) receives an award for his work at North Hilliard Baptist Church from Roy Lee Saint, associate director of the Florida Baptist Convention Pastor/Staff Leadership Department.

HILLIARD (FBC)—With an average attendance of 12 and only $18,000 in annual receipts, Eastwood Baptist Church in Hilliard struggled to keep its doors open until Neal Thompson took the reigns in 1998.

Thompson answered the call to become the church’s bi-vocational minister and took steps to revitalize the church.

The church changed its name to North Hilliard Baptist and has experienced steady growth in the five years of Thompson’s leadership.

In 2002 the church reported more than $72,000 and an average of 60 persons in attendance. A 200-seat building was dedicated in March.

For his efforts, Thompson was awarded "Outstanding Smaller Church Pastor of the Year" in early October by the Florida Baptist Convention.

"As a bi-vocational pastor, Rev. Thompson has juggled his time and responsibilities between pastoring and meeting the needs of his congregation, family and a second job," said Roy Saint, associate director of the Convention’s Pastor/Staff Leadership Department.

"And still, he has managed to grow this congregation and lead them through a building program," Saint added.

Each year, Florida Baptist associations can nominate a pastor from their area as a candidate for the award. One pastor is chosen as the award recipient and then submitted to LifeWay Church Resources for the National award.

Thompson said he was "very surprised" that David Drake, director of missions for the Northeast Florida Association, nominated him for the award.

"It has instilled in me to want to work harder, not for myself, but for the Lord’s recognition. It goes to show that when He is in the picture it makes things happen," said Thompson.

A total of 690 of Florida Baptist churches are led by bi-vocational pastors who work second jobs, representing 27.21 percent of Florida congregations.

Balancing life, ministry and a second job are a "challenge" said Thompson. "But you always seem to find time. God makes a way."