Having two churches share a pastor can enable the congregations to have a pastor who is available to minister to their spiritual needs. It also enables the pastor to provide an adequate income for his family. Having this duel income can ease the financial pressure that causes such a stress upon the family of those in ministry. Having two congregations in different locations can be an effective means of outreach in rural areas. When great distances or natural geographic boundaries separate communities, it will be difficult to encourage unchurched people to attend the services.
Families are often reluctant to travel great distances to attend church.
They may not be interested in attending a church in a different community, especially if the church is in a different school system where they children will not be friends with any of the other children in the congregation. They are, however, likely to be open to an invitation from a church in close proximity to them. One of the primary reasons we were willing to enter the venture was because we saw the importance that it had for outreach into the community. When two churches are in partnership with one another by sharing a pastor, it also expands their limited resources. Guest speakers or special groups can more easily come to the church because they are able to perform at two services for the cost of traveling to one church.