What is “tentmaking” in ministry?

TL;DR:

Tentmaking in ministry is the practice of supporting oneself financially through secular work while actively serving God, following the example of Paul, who made tents while preaching in Corinth. Ministry isn’t limited to church walls—every job, relationship, and daily opportunity can be a way to glorify God.

what does the bible say?

All believers are called to ministry in some way. The more involved we are, typically, the more we need financial support. For some who work in churches and parachurch ministries, the organization gives a salary. Others, like missionaries, need to raise funds by asking others for regular donations. Another way to support oneself while in ministry is referred to as "tentmaking." Tentmaking in ministry is the practice of combining secular work with active service in ministry, following the example of the Apostle Paul, who earned a living making tents while preaching and teaching in Corinth. Tentmaking allows those in ministry to support themselves financially without relying entirely on church salaries or donations, while still engaging in meaningful ministry. Tentmaking offers unique opportunities that full-time ministry sometimes cannot provide: a secular workplace or community setting allows for natural relationships with unbelievers, practical demonstrations of Christ’s love, and opportunities to share the gospel in everyday life. Beyond financial support, tentmaking integrates faith and work, showing that ministry is not confined to church walls but flows naturally through our daily interactions, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Ultimately, whether through full-time ministry or a secular career while serving the Lord, tentmaking reminds us that every skill, relationship, and opportunity can be used to glorify God and advance His kingdom in tangible, relational ways.

from the old testament

The Old Testament does not use the term “tentmaker,” but it shows examples of people using their skills and work to serve God’s purposes. Bezalel and Oholiab, artisans who built the tabernacle, worked with their trades while fulfilling God’s calling (Exodus 31:3–6; Exodus 36:1).
Other Old Testament figures, like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:39–41) or Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:17–20; Daniel 6:1–3), were not called tentmakers per se, but they used secular skills and positions to serve God’s purposes and protect His people while living in the world.

from the new testament

A "tentmaker" is a term used to refer to someone who significantly serves in a church or ministry but makes money with a secular job. The term is based on when Paul earned a living making tents in Corinth: " and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade" (Acts 18:3). Paul had been run out of Macedonia and arrived in Corinth alone. In Corinth, he met Priscilla and Aquila who were tentmakers. Paul had experience in making tents, so he joined them.
Paul's greatest desire was to preach and teach full-time, but he'd had to leave so quickly, the rest of his team hadn't arrived yet. So, he earned money with his new friends during the week and taught at the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 18:4). Once Silas and Timothy arrived, they went to work, and Paul resumed his full-time ministry (Acts 18:5).
Paul quit his secular job, but Priscilla and Aquila didn't. Years later, the couple moved to Ephesus. There's no indication they were in full-time ministry, but they trained the teacher Apollos and, with their church, commissioned him to go to Corinth and continue teaching (Acts 18:24-28).

implications for today

“Tent-making” remains a relevant and practical approach to ministry today, though it is often referred to as "bi-vocational ministry." Many pastors, especially those serving small churches, take on a second job to support their families, afford health insurance, or supplement limited church salaries. Likewise, church staff and ministry employees who are only able to work part-time frequently rely on additional employment to make ends meet. While it is helpful to not have to rely on outside work to make ends meet for a person in ministry, tentmaking offers unique opportunities for ministry that full-time positions sometimes cannot provide. It allows ministers and laypeople alike to engage with the world, build relationships with unbelievers, and demonstrate Christ’s love in non-religious settings.

Tentmaking is also something that people who are not in full-time ministry take part of. Those in non-religious jobs who serve at other times can also be seen as tentmakers. Those who teach Sunday school, lead a Bible study, volunteer at missions, or serve in other ministry capacities are involved in all forms of ministry that are supported by their jobs. A layperson’s job, therefore, provides the financial and relational platform to serve in ministry without relying entirely on church funding. However, we must be clear that all work is ministry. Whether a person is paid by church or a Christian ministry or not, all work has intrinsic value for a believer. In whatever job a Christian has, they are able to glorify God and make Him known.

Tentmakers often enjoy unique advantages compared to full-time ministry workers. A secular workplace provides natural opportunities to interact with unbelievers in ways that are not always possible within church walls. Everyday life—our offices, neighborhoods, schools, and communities—becomes the arena where we build authentic relationships, demonstrate Christ’s love, and share the gospel. This integration of work and ministry allows tentmakers to live out their faith in practical, relational, and visible ways, often reaching people who might never step into a church building.

Overall, whether we are full-time ministers or laypeople with secular careers, we all participate in God’s work by faithfully using our time, skills, and resources. Tentmaking reminds us that ministry is not confined to church walls—it flows naturally from our daily lives. Every job and relationship can become an opportunity to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

understand

Tentmaking combines secular work with ministry, letting believers support themselves while serving God.
The term tentmaking comes from the life of Paul.
Tentmaking provides unique opportunities to share our faith, build relationships, and demonstrate Christ’s love outside church walls.

reflect

How can your current job or daily routines serve as a platform for ministry and sharing Christ’s love?
How are you a “tentmaker,” and how are you using this position to glorify God and make Him known?
How might you balance your secular work with active ministry without compromising either responsibility?

engage

How do we see tentmaking reflected in the lives of biblical figures, and what can we learn from them today?
What challenges and opportunities arise when ministry is integrated with secular work?
How can our workplaces, neighborhoods, and daily environments become natural settings for ministry in ways the church alone cannot provide?