You’re not leaving ministry—you’re expanding your mission. — Eric Hoke
Eric Hoke’s journey is a testament to the power of redefining calling and embracing bivocational ministry as a sustainable strategy for long-term impact. After planting a church in NYC’s South Bronx, Eric found himself navigating the complexities of ministry in underserved communities. Balancing ministry and marketplace, Eric has become a guide for pastors seeking to transition, rediscover purpose, and leverage their skills in new and meaningful ways.
In this episode, Eric shares:
👉 How he found clarity in his calling during moments of uncertainty.
👉 Practical steps to embrace bivocational ministry without losing your sense of purpose.
👉 The transferable skills pastors already have—and how to use them in the marketplace.
👉 Why starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch.
If you’re a leader wrestling with identity, transition, or what comes next, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.
From Pastor to Marketplace: A New Vision for Ministry
I always thought that being a pastor meant full-time ministry, but stepping into bivocational work showed me that my calling could expand beyond the church walls.
Eric’s story begins in the South Bronx, where he planted a church in one of the poorest communities in America. With NYC’s high cost of living and the challenges of growing a church in an underserved area, he embraced bivocational ministry out of necessity.
But what started as a stopgap measure became a new vision for ministry:
- Building trust with people who might never enter a church.
- Developing a team-centered approach to ministry that empowers others.
- Finding purpose and financial stability without sacrificing his calling.
Overcoming the Identity Crisis of Transition
Am I still a pastor if I’m not full-time?
Eric wrestled with the questions many pastors face during career transitions:
- What does it mean to be a “real” pastor?
- Is this new role a distraction from my calling?
Through reflection and scripture, Eric discovered that ministry isn’t confined to a single job or title. Instead, he reframed his bivocational work as a way to extend his mission into the marketplace.
Key Mindset Shifts:
- Ministry happens wherever God places you.
- Your calling isn’t tied to a paycheck—it’s tied to your purpose.
Practical Steps for Leaders in Transition
Eric’s framework for identifying transferable skills is a game-changer for pastors considering career transitions.
The Heart, Head, Hands, and Feet Framework:
❤️ Heart: Compassionate, mission-driven roles (nonprofits, social work).
🧠 Head: Academic, cerebral roles (learning and development, training).
🙏 Hands: Practical, project-based roles (project management).
🦶Feet: Action-oriented roles (sales, business development).
Eric also highlights the importance of:Feedback:
- Ask trusted people in your life what they see in you.
- Curiosity: Explore new fields through small, low-risk steps.
- Resilience: Accept that you might take a step back temporarily—but your experience will help you climb faster.
Key Takeaways from This Conversation
Signs It’s Time for a Change:
- Your current path is no longer working, and you feel stuck.
- You see symptoms of burnout or misalignment with your values.
- You’re asking, “What if there’s more to my calling than this?”
Mindsets to Embrace During Transition:
- Be willing to take risks on yourself—even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Recognize that God’s love is not tied to your performance.
- Your identity isn’t tied to a title—it’s about who you are in Christ.
Practical Advice for Moving Forward:
- Start small: Explore side projects, freelancing, or volunteer opportunities.
- Get clear on your values and what you want in your next role.
- Remember, you’re not leaving ministry—you’re expanding your mission.
Where to Connect with Eric
- Twitter: @erichoke
- Website: ihelppastorsgetjobs.com
Everything just changed, now what?
In a season of transition, it’s hard knowing what to do next. Finding Your Way to Flourishing is your free guide to crafting your Next Step Statement so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.