Spousal Cooperation

This month I want to continue with our article series looking at the 13 Building Blocks necessary for Church Planting. Dr. Charles Ridley conducted a study of church planters in the United States and Canada; based on his research and subsequent field testing, he developed a list of thirteen characteristics that define effective church planters. At the Church Planting Assessment Center these characteristics have been used to select our Converge church planters. In the previous articles I covered the following building blocks:

1. Visioning capacity

2. Intrinsically motivated

3. Creates ownership of ministry

4. Relates to the unchurched.

This month we cover building block number 5: Spousal cooperation.

Planting a church is an exciting and impactful endeavor. It's a chance to build a community of faith from the ground up, offering spiritual guidance and fellowship to those seeking it. But for the spouse of a church planter, the journey can be equally demanding. While the pastor is often the face of the church, the unseen support of their spouse is a crucial pillar. Here's why spousal cooperation is essential for a successful church planting adventure:

● Shared Vision and Calling: Planting a church requires immense dedication and sacrifice. Long hours, emotional investment, and financial strains are all part of the territory. If a spouse isn't on board with the vision, resentment and stress can build, impacting both the marriage and the church's growth. Open communication and a shared sense of calling are vital for navigating these challenges. Early on we discovered that some spouses are just called to support their husband, some are equally called to plant this church and others are called to their own unique ministry, such as Women’s ministry or Children or nursery, as an example, in the case of my wife. She loves little kids. That was her unique contribution.

● Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Church planting is rarely a one-person show. From organizing events to providing pastoral care, there are countless tasks involved. A supportive spouse can be a partner in ministry, sharing responsibilities and offering valuable insights. This frees up the pastor's time and allows them to focus on leadership and spiritual guidance. My wife has literally been the church admin for all three of our church plants, and has never been paid for her duties, but she is a great teammate.

● The Unsung Hero at Home: The emotional toll and stress of church planting can be significant. A spouse provides a safe haven, a listening ear, and unwavering support. They manage the home front, ensuring the family unit remains stable amidst the whirlwind of launching a new church.

Here are some tips to foster spousal cooperation within a church plant:

● Open Communication: Talk openly about expectations, fears, and concerns. Ensure both partners feel heard and valued. I can’t stress enough how important it is to walk through clear expectations.

● Shared Decision-making: Include your spouse in discussions about the church's vision, goals, and direction. This is where teamwork really comes into play.

● Prioritize Time Together: Schedule regular date nights and family outings to maintain a strong marital bond. It’s important to take time off together.

● Recognize Each Other's Sacrifices: Express gratitude and appreciation for the unseen contributions your spouse makes.

The book of Acts showcases numerous couples who were instrumental in spreading the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila, tentmakers by trade, partnered with Paul in ministry (Acts 18:2). They not only supported his work but also taught Apollos, a gifted preacher (Acts 18:26). Their teamwork exemplifies a couple united in purpose, leveraging their skills for the greater good of the church. Romans 12:6-8 celebrates the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. Spouses often possess complementary strengths. One might be the visionary leader, while the other excels in building relationships or administration. This diversity allows the couple to navigate the challenges of church planting from multiple angles.

Planting a church can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. By working together as a team, with open communication, shared vision and unwavering support, couples can embark on this incredible journey and build a thriving church community while strengthening their own relationship.

Glenn Herschberger, Executive Director of Church Planting