#TheNines Unpack: Meet In The Middle

September 9, 2010, Leadership Network put on the 2010 edition of "The Nines" (Theme: Game Changers). I've started combing through the Program Book*. Let's unpack one of the game changing Nuggets presented that day:

Nugget: MEET IN THE MIDDLE

Presenter: MARK DRISCOLL

SYNOPSIS:

"After a season of frustration in the early years of ministry, my wife and I talked. We realized it was time to coordinate get our home life and ministry life. I then met with my staff and put my personal schedule around my family schedule. Meeting with my wife to put together a plan for our life was super encouraging. It allows us to live together as one, like God intended." 

GOING DEEPER:  

Commit with your spouse to share your calendars with each other on your computers, if you both work with one. Email each other any invitations to events you receive.  Meet weekly with your spouse to go over these events and opportunities.

Determine who among the two of you is more naturally organized and who is not. Honor each other's perspective.  This will help you both understand the relational dynamics that could be putting pressure on the situation.

Ask yourself: Does my family schedule or does my ministry schedule come first?

Gather the fam for a communication meeting every couple weeks just to check in with each other. Share your calendars.

RESOURCES:

Who Takes Care of the Pastor When They Are Hurting? (blog post by Kevin Martineau)

God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation  (book by Andreas J. Kostenberger and David W. Jones)

Preventing Ministry Failure: A ShepherdCare Guide for Pastors, Ministers and Other Caregivers  (book by Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffman)

NEXT STEPS:

"9 Steps To Growing From #THENINES" * Link to Program Book included

Serving Strong "The Nines" blog category

 

NOTICES:

This blog series is not affiliated directly with Leadership Network.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe look helpful and will add value to my readers, whether I have personally read them or not. As with all suggested materials, be diligent to assess for yourself whether or not something is right for you.

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Comments

[bill (cycleguy)]

I don't struggle with this as much as I used to Scott since my family is not home. My wife works full-time so I have plenty of time to take care of ministry things during the day. I spend most evenings at home except when I have a meeting or study. but for the younger guys this is absolutely critical. good point here!

[Scott Couchenour]

You make a good point, Bill. Life is a series of seasons. What is required for a good marriage as kids are toddlers is a whole lot different than what is required when the kids are adults and we are in the empty nest.

[Kevin Martineau]

Thanks for the mention Scott! I appreciate it!