JOHN HAD ALWAYS FELT a strong calling to serve God. He had spent years studying the Bible and sharpening his pastoral skills. But one area of his life had always proven difficult to navigate: working together as a team with his wife, Kelly. While he loved her deeply, they often found themselves at odds regarding their respective careers. John felt that his work as a pastor was more important than anything else, while Kelly was equally devoted to her job as a business executive.
Over time, the tensions between them grew, and they struggled to find a way to work together as a team for the glory and honor of God. John knew his marriage was in trouble, but he didn’t know how to fix it. He felt he was failing his wife and his calling to serve God.
One day John received a call from another conference in another state. He was excited at the prospect of a new challenge, but he knew it would mean uprooting his entire life, including Kelly’s professional career. He sat down with her and told her about the opportunity, hoping they could devise a plan to allow them to continue their ministry together.
But Kelly was hesitant. She didn’t want to leave her job and start over again in a new city, and she made it clear that her career was just as important to her as John’s work as a pastor. As they tried to navigate this difficult situation, John struggled increasingly with his sense of purpose and calling. He began questioning whether he was making a difference in the church or the community.
In the end, they could not find a way to work together as a team. The strain became too much, and they decided to separate. John and Kelly, whose names have been changed to protect their identities, were friends we loved dearly. Our hearts were saddened to see them drift apart in this way.
LESSONS
When we were pastoring churches, I constantly reminded myself that even though the conference employed my husband, God called us as a family to serve Him. And there is nothing more beautiful than to work as a team in ministry.
Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” We are not meant to walk alone but to walk together, hand in hand, with our spouse.
When we walk together, we can share in each other’s joys and sorrows and lean on each other during times of trial and hardship. We can learn from one another, grow together, and inspire others to improve. But for this to become a reality, we must put ourselves aside because self does not allow us to work as a team.
Ellen G. White reminds us, “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 250, 251).
Indeed, as we walk together in ministry, we must remember that our goal is not our success or recognition but rather the advancement of God’s kingdom and the salvation of souls. Therefore, we must put aside our desires and work together to achieve this goal, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. Ellen White also reminds us, “We are not left alone in this work. We are laborers together with God, in partnership with divine resources” (Review and Herald, Oct. 12, 1886, par. 17).
As we collaborate in ministry, it is essential to cultivate a spirit of openness to seek counsel from one another and to yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In addition, our collective purpose must be grounded in a deep love for Christ and for those we aim to serve. Only then can we work together effectively toward our common goal.
To achieve this, we must prioritize humility and recognize that none of us has all the answers. Each of us brings unique perspectives and experiences, and we must value and respect diversity of thought and approach to our ministry. We must be willing to listen actively to each other and consider alternative viewpoints, recognizing that we share a common goal and desire to serve God and others. We must also pray together. That brings us closer to God and to one another. When we pray, study, and talk about life together, we open our hearts, unite, and grow together.
Our effectiveness in ministry depends on our willingness to work together as a team. May the Holy Spirit help us understand that we are always stronger together.
