The Spouses.

I've always known and  understood that ministry is a team effort, when it comes to a pastor and their spouse, regardless of whether it's the man or the woman that is the pastor

I was reminded just how much truth lives in that reality at our business meeting Sunday night. Some marriages share pastoral/ministry responsibilities. Others, one fills the position of pastor, while the spouse provides an incredible level of support and work behind the scenes to aid in making sure ministry of whoever is pastor goes forth without hindrance

There is so much work that goes into doing the work of the Lord; the variety of tasks and responsibilities; the opportunities that call for your attention;the management of staff and resources; the discipline of study and preparation of sermon and the building up of the believers... just thinking about it makes me think stuff would easily get missed and overlooked.

This is why it's importance to have a strong team of pastors, advisors, and staff. It's also why each of those positions need to have stable, disciplined personal lives, particular where marriages are a part of the equation.

Unstable marriages in ministry can be an incredible invitation for disaster. Unresolved tension and frustration can lead to conversations and situations that will, quite simply, distract and pull a pastor away from effective handling their pastoral responsibilities, let alone have a clear and focused mindset when it comes to seeking God regarding the direction of their ministry and what God has in store.

I shared such a sentiment with a pastor to just that effect recently.

For some reason, I can't remember my exact words, but it was along the lines of...

"I'm sure you guys face incredible challenges in your marriage that I can't fathom, because of your ministry, but I know that because you have a strong marriage, the difficulties you DON'T encounter as a result is also, probably impressive as well."


Thus, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, first, for marriages in ministry that are not stable. May the power of God bring grace, forgiveness and healing to those circumstances and whatever the events are leading up to and surrounding such challenging times. May God help them sort through the emotions and the perspective, as they look to God and trust He will provide an resolutions and restorations. Pray that spouse would be encouraged, that whether they share ministry responsibilities in official capacity or behind the scenes; that their work counts for the kingdom and glory of God. May God work the miraculous in the homes and families of pastors, anew and afresh... may there be an anointing and a favor upon their lives straight from the hand of God and may the legacy being laid for the children be a path those young people walk to make an impact for the cause of Jesus Christ for generations to come.

The body of Christ... strong to do the work of the Lord, because the first spiritual unit, the family is strong in the faith itself.
For the glory of God. By His grace. Healthy and whole to do and speak all that He has for us to accomplish.

- PNC.

---