Faithful Side by Side: When Ministry Pulls You Apart

Messy Story of the Week

It started as a dream come true — a husband and wife leading worship together, traveling to conferences, mentoring young couples. But somewhere along the way, ministry became a machine. Their calendar was full, their hearts were empty, and small irritations turned into cold silence.

They were serving faithfully… but no longer together.

When they finally sat down to talk, they realized they had been pouring out without ever filling up — especially with each other. The ministry that once bonded them had become the very thing that divided them.

Faithful God Then and Now

In Acts 18, we meet Priscilla and Aquila — tentmakers, teachers, and hosts who ministered as one.

They worked, traveled, discipled, and risked their lives together. Their marriage was not a backdrop to ministry; it was ministry — marked by hospitality, humility, and shared faith.

God still calls couples today to live out that kind of unity — not necessarily in a public platform, but in the quiet, consistent ways we serve Him together at home, in church, and in the world.

What We Can Learn

Shared ministry begins with shared intimacy.
It’s possible to work side-by-side and still be miles apart emotionally. True partnership begins when we intentionally connect heart-to-heart, not just shoulder-to-shoulder.
Busyness can become a barrier to love.
Good work for God can quietly replace time with God — and with each other. Slow down before the work becomes your worth.
Your marriage is your first ministry.
Every prayer whispered together, every act of kindness in unseen moments, is worship.
Serving together doesn’t mean identical callings.
God gives complementary gifts. Honor the different ways your spouse contributes to the shared mission.
Faithful ministry flows from a faithful heart.
A divided heart at home will eventually show up in the way we serve others. Healing begins by bringing that division before God.

Behind the Curtain

In coaching, I often meet couples whose ministry looks fruitful — but their connection feels fragile. They’re leading Bible studies, parenting faithfully, and showing up for everyone else… while avoiding the quiet conversations that would bring healing to their own marriage.

If that’s you, take heart. You don’t need to quit ministry to reconnect — you just need to remember that intimacy and purpose were meant to grow together.

Faithful Family Tools

Go deeper with this story in my blog article, “Faithful Together: What Priscilla and Aquila Teach Us About Marriage, Ministry, and Family Life,” where I explore the blessings and bumps of shared ministry and marriage.

If you and your spouse are ready to rebuild emotional connection and shared vision, start with the Faithful Marriage Course inside the Faithful Families All-Access Community.

Join here for $57/month to access group coaching, courses, and daily support for your marriage and family.

Faith Step for the Week

Pray together:

“Lord, make our marriage the ministry. Teach us to serve You by serving one another first.”

Bible Verse

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
— Romans 12:10

2-Minute Practice

Before the week gets away from you, take two minutes to ask your spouse:

“How can I serve you today?”
And then do it — no fanfare, no keeping score.

Next Week

Coming Up: “Grumbling in the Wilderness”
When gratitude fades and frustration takes over, even faithful hearts can start to wander. Next week we’ll look at what the Israelites — and our own marriages — can teach us about contentment in hard seasons.

Don’t miss the next episode of the Marriage, Mayhem & Mercy podcast featuring guest Jess Vangsness, where we’ll talk about the cost of complaining and the grace that leads us home.

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When Ministry Pulls You Apart