Better together!
DOVE Family Core Teaching
Adam and Eve ruled together in the Garden of Eden. In marriage the couple becomes one flesh (Genesis 2:24). The goal should be “one-flesh ministry” among a husband/wife team.
Priscilla and Aquila modeled team ministry. This example of a husband and wife ministering together is found in Romans 16:3. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.”
Also, 1 Corinthians 16:19 mentions Aquila and Priscilla. In another place, it is mentioned as Priscilla and Aquila.
Acts 18:18-19, 24-28 speaks of them in terms of teamwork. A teamwork of husband and wife can make us ten times more effective (Deuteronomy 32:31).
One-flesh ministry
- Couples can become one in the place of prayer.
- Together they can put on the armor of God.
- Take every opportunity to speak blessings to one another.
- There is power in agreement. (Matthew 18:19-20)
Genesis 2:21-25
Marriage is intended for oneness!
- Woman was made from the rib. The ribs cover both the heart and lungs.
- So, the woman covers her husband’s heart, emotions, and spirit.
- A man or woman draws out their husband or wife (Proverbs 20:5).
- Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. They were transparent until sin entered (Genesis 3:9). When they sinned, it was the first time they felt confusion in their communication and experienced fear.
Sow seeds in marriage
- We need to sow seeds into our marriage. It will not take care of itself.
- Don’t make assumptions about your marriage. Keep building your spouse up.
- If you need help, get it. You don’t have to have all the answers; someone else in the body of Christ does.
- Share personal testimony of how you have sown seed in your marriage.
When a couple is involved in ministry, they need to learn to work together. If they do not, one partner will pull back and withdrawal emotionally. This causes confusion and drains our faith. Communication is essential.
Healthy boundaries in ministries
- Know that our identity is in Christ and not in our ministry.
- Set boundaries in communication. Spouses need to make clear how much information they want to hear.
- When communicating it is good to use “I feel…” statements.
- Ministers should never be alone with the opposite sex in counselling or private places.
In 1945, three young men were starting in evangelism ministry: Bron Clifford, Chuck Templeton, and Billy Graham. Clifford and Templeton both had great success but were not grounded for the long haul. Billy Graham was the third man. He developed boundaries to ensure longevity.
We need to know our strengths and roles (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). For example, Larry helped LaVerne develop her teaching gift.
Three words to remember: boundaries, releasing, and encouragement
- Boundaries: Matthew 6:1. Don’t depend on your spouse for approval. This must come from God.
- Releasing: Releasing expectations and control of your spouse—control kills oneness and teamwork. Release judgments.
- Encouragement Proverbs 20:5 says, “The plans in a man’s heart are like deep water, but person of understanding draws it out.” That person is often the spouse.
How can it work?
- Each spouse must engage and affirm the other in their calling. One might be called to the church world and the other to the marketplace.
- Couples can have areas of separate vision and responsibility that they do alone. But they also can have areas of combined responsibility.
- When one area is not going well, it can be acknowledged and the spouse can give extra support.
- Keep an eye on time limitations. If there is not enough time together, that can cause the marriage to suffer.
Answer Your Call to Leadership
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