Marriage and Ministry | Episode 7 | Season Three
In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with his wife, Pastor Lisa Carter, co-founder and senior Pastor at Abundant Life Church. Together, they discuss the realities that face shepherds who do life together in marriage and in ministry. The unique relationship that exists between shepherds and their spouses and the demands that they face can create complications and challenges that affect the balance of the marriage. Learning how to navigate these realities with openness, humility, and grace are necessary skills for maintaining both a thriving ministry and a thriving marriage.
Key Highlights:
Marriage Over Ministry
Pastor John and Pastor Lisa share how, early in their journey, they made a conscious decision to prioritize their marriage above their ministry work. This choice has shaped their approach to leading a congregation and raising a family, ensuring that their relationship remained strong even if it meant the ministry grew at a slower pace.Boundaries for Family Time
They emphasize the need to set clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Regular date nights, family routines, and yearly getaways were non-negotiable practices that allowed them to nurture their relationship while managing the demands of ministry.Navigating the Pressures of Ministry
With both pastors in the public eye, they share the unique challenges of being constantly watched by the congregation and community. The Carters offer advice on how ministry families can stay authentic and supportive of each other despite external expectations.Emotional Health and Counseling
Pastor John and Pastor Lisa advocate for seeking counseling and emotional support to navigate the unique stresses of ministry life. Counseling helped them strengthen their communication, improve conflict resolution, and build a healthier marriage.Building a Support Network
Recognizing the importance of having support outside their congregation, they stress finding trustworthy friends, mentors, and counselors to lean on. They urge ministry couples to avoid isolation and actively seek safe spaces where they can share and receive encouragement.
Practical Takeaways:
Put Marriage First: Make intentional decisions to keep marriage a top priority, allowing it to grow and thrive alongside ministry.
Set Boundaries for Family Time: Protect family life with set routines, like date nights and vacations, to keep the family connection strong.
Seek Counseling and Emotional Support: Prioritize emotional health through counseling, which can provide skills for healthy communication and stress management.
Find Safe Support: Build relationships outside of the congregation for trusted support and encouragement in the unique journey of ministry.
Additional Resources: