September 24, 2025
By Mark Rowan
When you meet Arnold Murray, you quickly discover his passion: encouraging the faithful. As a certified coach, corporate manager, and bivocational leader, Arnold’s story bridges both the boardroom and the pulpit.
On this Corral Call, he shared how his spiritual identity, family legacy, and career journey have all come together into what he calls bivocational leadership.
Arnold grew up in North Carolina, the son of a pastor who literally built a church behind their home with his own hands and money. A third-generation minister and preacher’s kid, Arnold saw the real thing in his parents’ faith — no double lives, no hypocrisy, just consistent, authentic walk with Christ.
That example left a lasting imprint. “I had the gift that my parents were the real thing,” Arnold said. “Their private lives matched their public lives.”
Arnold makes an important distinction:
“A bivocational leader is someone called to thrive in both their professional career and their spiritual call.”
This isn’t about grinding or dividing focus — it’s about recognizing God’s grace in both spheres.
For years, Arnold kept his ministry and career separate. That changed during a leadership interview when he unexpectedly said:
“I have a significant life outside of work. I’m a minister. I know I can help people here the same way I do outside of work.”
Instead of costing him the role, the admission opened doors. His VP responded:
“That explains why you’re always smiling, always encouraging. That makes sense.”
He got the job — and realized that his calling and career didn’t need to compete. They could align.
Arnold emphasizes that bivocational leadership starts with excellence at work. When you are faithful in your role, God can create opportunities where your employer invites you to use your gifts.
For Arnold, that meant being asked to coach and mentor leaders across the company — ministry happening under corporate blessing.
Arnold teaches leaders to define impact clearly:
Impact = A measurable outcome executed for a specific purpose to reinforce a significant meaning.
True impact reinforces identity — who God created you to be.
Arnold describes calling as:
“A spiritual phenomenon where a person realizes their life is about more than themselves.”
That calling unfolds in stages, confirmed in community and affirmed by leaders who recognize and ordain it. For Arnold, his journey included campus ministry, ordination, corporate leadership, and now coaching.
“Calling isn’t meant to be walked out alone,” he said. “We need discipleship, accountability, and real examples of godly living.”
Arnold’s challenge is simple: be discipled.
Find godly men and women whose private lives match their public faith. Pursue them. Learn from them. Let them open doors and shape your journey.
“Not everyone is a hypocrite,” Arnold said. “There are people living faithful, consistent lives. When you find them, follow them.”
Tags
bivocation, calling, leadership
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