They say that behind every good man is a wonderful woman. Well, the same is true the other way around – behind every good woman is a wonderful man. For any spouse in ministry, the support of their mate is crucial in their ability to effectively win people for Christ. Marriage is a life-long partnership and when a spouse is involved in ministry, that partnership is needed the most. Dave Beck, Human Resources Manager for Power to Change Ministries, talks about the role of husbands and wives in ministry.

1. Encouragement

It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, young or old – everyone needs encouragement and support in what they are trying to accomplish. Even a little encouragement goes a long way. In Hebrews 10:24 it says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Here are a few steps towards being an encourager:

• Value the ministry of your spouse. If you recognize that they are actually part of a ministry that is helping to fulfill the great commission, it won’t feel like an intrusion on your family life. It is a great thing to contribute to God’s plan and make a difference in people’s lives. Recognizing your spouse’s role in that makes their job more satisfying.

• Recognize that this is a ministry that God has given to you as a couple. It takes both of you to accomplish God’s plan for your lives. Work together to make it happen.

• God wants us to bring everything to Him in prayer. When you pray with your spouse about their ministry, not only does it encourage them but it also shows that the matter is of value and importance.

• Showing concern and interest in your spouse’s ministry will be a great encouragement to them. An objective point of view can bring clarity and certain issues to light.

2. Responsibility

Be responsible for your own spiritual development. Your role in your spouse’s ministry might not be hands on but you are still contributing by being supportive and enabling them to do their job. Taking time to be with God and working on your own individual relationship with Him benefits everyone in the end.

3. Communication

Communication is key in maintaining a healthy, loving relationship. To keep the communication channels open, be open and honest about the boundaries that you and your children need. Knowing ahead of time what is expected helps with planning and what is needed from the both of you.

4. Boundary management

With boundaries fully in place, you have to be diligent in making sure that those boundaries aren’t overstepped by either of you.

• Be willing to be a mirror to your spouse. Reflect back to them what your children and you are feeling about their time spent in ministry.

• Speak up and tell your spouse when they are spending too much time in ministry related matters. Remember, if you don’t enforce these boundaries it could affect your relationship with each other, your spouse’s relationship with your children and even your spouse’s health.

5. Recognize the Spiritual Battle

Wherever God is doing miracles in peoples lives and using people as his instruments, the devil is also there trying to destroy all the work. Be aware of how the devil can take a little thing and blow it out of proportion. In Ephesians 6:12 it says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Don’t give the devil power. Rely on God for everything, for he alone can conquer everything.

Marriage is a partnership and when a spouse is in a ministry that partnership is needed the most. Having someone to share the joy of bring people to Christ makes the process worthwhile. When two are working together for Christ marriages can be strengthened, lives can be changed and God can be glorified.