If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you know how much I value marriage and family—and so does my husband. As a ministry couple, we have learned (and are still learning!) that keeping our marriage and family strong is essential to effectively fulfilling our calling. While I’d love to say we have it all figured out, the truth is, we’re still growing and adjusting. But one thing we’ve come to understand is the necessity of finding balance. Without it, something will eventually suffer, and we don’t want that to be our marriage or family.
Ministry is a Calling
Ministry is undeniably important. Whether you serve as a pastor, teacher, or any other leader within the church, your role in the body of Christ is vital. We are all called to ministry in some form, and God has given each of us specific gifts and responsibilities to build up the church.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus gives a clear command to His followers:
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
It’s our duty to spread the message of the gospel, no matter what role we have in the church. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us of the diversity of callings in the ministry:
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
God has designed the church to function through different roles, and He uses each of us uniquely to edify His people. But how do we balance this sacred calling with the equally sacred covenant of marriage?
Setting Boundaries: Prioritizing What Matters Most
The most important lesson we’ve learned in balancing ministry and marriage is the need to set boundaries. It’s so easy to want to do everything, to reach every person, and to be everything to everyone. However, the truth is, if we don’t establish boundaries, we risk burning out and potentially losing what’s most precious—our marriage.
We often refer back to this order of importance in our lives:
- God
- Marriage
- Family
- Church
Notice that ministry comes after marriage and family. This may seem counterintuitive to some, but when we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place. As it says in Matthew 6:33:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
By putting God first, we allow Him to guide every other area of our lives. Praying together as a couple keeps us spiritually in sync, and when our marriage is grounded in Him, we are better equipped to serve the church and win souls for the kingdom.
Learning to Step Back
One of the most practical ways we maintain balance is by recognizing when to step back. Ministry is demanding, and it can easily consume our time if we aren’t careful. We’ve learned to recognize when it’s time to pause and make space for each other and for our family. These moments of rest and reconnection are crucial. They refresh us and allow us to pour into others from a place of wholeness rather than exhaustion.
Jesus Himself modeled this. Throughout His ministry, He took time to withdraw and pray, even when the crowds pressed in (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). If the Savior of the world took time to rest, we certainly can too. We are called to serve, but we are also called to steward our marriages and families well. Taking time for rest and connection ensures that we aren’t pouring from an empty cup. For more on the importance of taking time to rest, check out my post, Stop, Rest, and Eat.
Keeping God at the Center
Ultimately, the key to balancing marriage and ministry is keeping God at the center of both. When our relationship with Him is the priority, He provides the wisdom and grace we need to navigate both callings. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
By continually seeking His guidance, we can trust that He will lead us in balancing our responsibilities.
In conclusion, while balancing marriage and ministry isn’t always easy, it is possible when we put God first, set healthy boundaries, and recognize the need for rest. Remember, your marriage is a testimony to God’s love and faithfulness. As you nurture it, you’ll be better equipped to fulfill the ministry He’s called you to.
Closing Out Ministry Matters
As we come to the end of the Ministry Matters series, I hope these posts have encouraged and inspired you in your own journey of balancing ministry with family, marriage, and personal well-being. Ministry is a beautiful calling, but it’s also one that requires wisdom, intentionality, and sometimes, stepping back to ensure that our relationships remain strong. Remember that God equips us for the work He’s called us to, but He also calls us to rest and rely on Him. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” I pray that in whatever season you find yourself, you lean on God’s strength and seek balance in all areas of your life. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more encouragement, recipes, and insights coming soon as we move into new themes!
Want to catch up on the Ministry Matters series? Click Here!
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