By Mark A. Taylor
Many of us can”t fully appreciate what it”s like to be a church”s minister. We haven”t lived in their fishbowl world. We don”t know the feeling of being perpetually on call. We”ve seldom lost a day off or canceled a family outing or cut short a vacation because of a church member”s crisis. We don”t know the exhaustion that follows preaching or the tension that accompanies leadership. Many of us haven”t depended on a score of volunteers to see our mission accomplished. Many haven”t faced opposition, criticism, and second-guessing.
More than one associate minister, eager to take the senior minister”s place, has been sobered by the weight of responsibility that suddenly shifted to his shoulders once he reached that goal. Dave Stone, speaking of that transition in this issue, mentions that his wife is more a part of his ministry today than ever before. She must share him with so many others, he says. One way they keep their relationship strong is by praying together.
But some ministers” marriages suffer from neglect. This can happen in any marriage, but some ministers and their wives try to justify such atrophy by concentrating on all the service they”re giving others.
Once in awhile they should take time to sit back, look away from the crowds, and concentrate on each other. Once in awhile, instead of serving, they should allow themselves to be served.
The North American Christian Convention Minister and Spouse Retreat has been planned to make this possible. It”s coming soon, August 21-23, at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Asheville, North Carolina.
This is the second such event the NACC has planned. Those who attended two years ago were effusive with their praise:
“Thank you for allowing us to focus on one another. What a delight to leave the church behind and be ministered to!”
“The retreat offered us an oasis in the midst of a very difficult period in our ministry.”
“We really enjoyed the free time and the special touches you put in.”
This year”s program again will offer many special touches. For a registration fee of only $299 per couple, guests receive both nights” accommodations, all conference meals (including a Sweetheart Banquet), onsite recreation, and a program with just the right mix of planned activities and free time.
Ryan Dobson, son of James and Shirley Dobson, and Steve and Annie Chapman are the featured speakers. The program includes music, worship, couples panel discussions, mentors in ministry sessions, testimonies, laughter, multiple receptions, fellowship, and time alone in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains. What a recipe for marriage renewal!
Your minister can register and get more program details at the NACC”s Web site (nacctheconnectingplace.org). Ask him today if he”s signed up. If not, encourage him to do so. His ministry and his marriage deserve it.
Author: Christian Standard
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