Including Your Spouse in Ministry

Genesis 2:24 – Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Two become one flesh…

This is what the Lord explained to Adam after the woman God made from his rib was brought to him. Adam said, And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man (Genesis 2:23). Though we are two people, in the eyes of God we are one flesh.

Very often today, many people in ministry are giving themselves over to lustful desires. Where much of this is based upon the lack of self-control and obedience to the Lord (James 1:13-15), there are also means from which those in ministry can and should protect themselves. Therefore, foundational principles should be established for those that are married (in ministry).

Long before one gives themselves over into lustful desires, there are many things that occur in the background. Long talks and hidden meetings can lead to all types of inappropriate scenarios if left unchecked. Though a person can find a way (no matter what) to give themselves over to certain lustful desires, they can protect themselves from a myriad of outside influences by allowing their spouse to be an integral part of their ministry.

1. Create an ‘open’ relationship. This type of ‘open’ is where there is transparency, openness of daily living, and communication – not open to other imtimate relations. If you truly have nothing to hide and want to stay clear of many harmful situations, your spouse should be aware of (and have access to) your daily affairs.

2. Share e-mail accounts (and other social media channels). Many people shield their spouses from their personal e-mail accounts. Some believe that if they are to be trusted, they should be able to have an account without their spouse’s knowledge. However, with a transparent (and shared) account, there is absolutely no room for temptation, lust, or sin because you have a means for open, responsible, and honest communications among others. It also keeps others seeking to have an inappropriate relationship in line.

At the very least, your spouse should have your passwords to be able to access your information at any time (of their choosing). If you want a good check and balance ‘system,’ this is it.

This may even go as far as sharing bank accounts and such. There should be NO part of your life that is off limits to your spouse.

3. Do not minister to others without your spouse where their may be sexual attraction or of the opposite sex. You will find that some people will want your counsel alone. Many times, these individuals have inappropriate motives (those motives may be unaware to you at the time). When your spouse with you in counseling sessions, their motives and intents can be thwarted.

4. If you preach at your home church or travel to preach, ensure your spouse is with you. Many times after preaching, many people may come to you to offer praise for your message. It can be at these times that people try to introduce tempting or other seducing comments. If you are out of town, some people may want you to come to them or visit you at your hotel. If your spouse is with you, no such advances will be successful. Additionally, having your spouse with you will remove many other temptations that may exist when you are alone.

This is entirely different from travelling with a ministry team. Your ministry team is not as intimate as you and your spouse, and cannot reach as far into your life as your spouse can. There is no one (other than the Lord) that you are more transparent. In some situations, your ministry team may not address ‘problems’ and sins they see in you or others seeking to tempt you.

5. Your spouse should know the people of the opposite sex in your life. With open and transparent communication (see #1 above), you should be able to share information on people that transit in and out of your life. When you are open, you have nothing to hide. Remember, the purpose here is not to say one spouse is untrusting of another, but to ensure there is no room for Satan or your flesh to gain ground on you (Ephesians 4:27).

As two in marriage become one, it is vitally important to build a solid foundation of ministry upon these short principles. There may be many others to principles you and your spouse can incorporate, but the key is to have a firm stance to keep temptation and sin from affecting your testimony and witness before the Lord and others.

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/l4red0