In addition to pastoring at West Unity Community Church in Harrisville, Boyd Smith sells Christian books and jewelry.

“It isn’t that our church can’t support a pastor,” Smith said. “I choose to work. I can share with people when I’m on the road, too. I can keep fresh in doing what I’m teaching.”

The money helps, too.

“Our church supports about 15 missionaries. This job allows me to have an income so the church can help provide for more missionaries,” said West Unity’s 14-year minister. “They’re a very giving church, but it’s just a desire that I have made that I want to continue to share and not be in the office all the time. We have people in the church who do home visits and things.”

Smith is thankful for his unique situation. “Some pastors don’t have that choice, because their church is so big they can’t work at anything else.”

<i>Some area pastors work at a second job because smaller or independent church congregations, while being vital, are unable to support a full-time spiritual leader. Other ministers choose to work, and their congregations — and employers — are accepting of that. Area pastors and their second or even third jobs are explored in this story for Labor Day.</i>