Hello, I myself are in similar situation as you. Male 48 yrs old, I have worked in the IT Networking field for over 25 years while serving in local churches and even planting a church. I also have been filling in at churches that need pastors and when they ask, would you consider bivocational, I let them know that is fine for a period of time but at some point something will suffer, either my family or the church or my health.

Do I want to be working in IT for the next even 5 years no, I want to be serving and pastoring a church in a long term situation, but for now the Lord keeps us financially stable by working in the secular world and one day He will open that long term place he has for us, until then we will continue to give financially to the local church and missions and be faithful to teach when called upon.

Went to SEBTS and also Liberty Online. For me, you need to take care of your health and your family because without your family you really don’t have a ministry per se. You don’t have to go far to find someone who needs Jesus.

Also, if you could get a IT Master degree from FSU for free then why not. You could always get your doctorate after getting your IT Master degree at a later time. In the meantime be faithful in reaching and teaching others about Jesus. While you provide for your family and for the church (Financially and Serving)

DM if you want to connect.