This post is the fifth in a series from my time at the Exponential Conference in Orlando, FL last month. I will post several others in this same category. I invite you to browse all of the notes that I took.

Exponential – Shawn & Trishia Lovejoy

Orlando, Fl
Speakers: Shawn & Trishia Lovejoy
Topic: Marriage & Ministry
Date: April 25, 2012

4 Things God Taught Us About Marriage & Ministry

1. Intimacy is worth fighting for.

  • Church planters are known for fighting for the Gospel. We need to fight for our families!
  • We must fight for date night and family night.
  • Sometimes we must fight against religious/churchy people.

2. Have a last 10% family

  • We typically only share 90% of how we think or feel. We keep back the last 10%.
  • Be honest with each other.

3. There is only one enemy in your family.

  • The enemy is not: your spouse, your family, or your church.
  • The enemy is the evil one (John 10:10)

4. The family trully is a partnership.

  • Date nights are your responsibility.
  • Family days are your responsibility.
  • Family items (meals, allowances, prepping for the day, etc)
  • You are partners in marriage and ministry.
  • The stronger your partnership is at home, the stronger your ministry expression will be.

Notes & Quotes

  • The reason that our church is a textbook “simple church” is not just because we think it’s the best model for building a church but because we believe that it’s the best model for protecting our marriages and families.
  • Many of you are not tempted by moral failures, but you are tempted to put ministry over your marriage.