As youth workers, we make great sacrifices. (And all ministers do for that matter.) We work long, strange hours for students who don’t always show appreciation for what we do, while getting paid very little for the time and effort we put in. This is nothing you don’t already know. After all, you didn’t go into ministry for the paycheck and glory! We make these sacrifices in order to see the next generation fall in love with Jesus Christ and pursue Him with their lives.

Of all the sacrifices we make, one that we should not make is quality time spent with our spouses. These are the true heroes in youth ministry! They have to put up with our late nights, long hours, and little pay! So the least we can do is give back to them what we do have…ourselves. So here is my challenge to you: Prioritize your spouse. Set aside time to focus on your marriage and put this on the calendar before anything else! Make plans for the kids and give them what they deserve, your undivided attention. Quality time with your spouse is not just something that happens, it HAS to be intentional.

So stop reading this blog! It’s Friday, why are you thinking about Youth Ministry?! Go call a babysitter, make reservations at his/her favorite restaurant, and be present with your spouse!

Texas native, Texas Tech Red Raider, M.Div. at Truett Seminary, husband to Ashley, father to Ava, Student Pastor at LifePoint Church in Plano, Tx, table tennis (ping-pong) extraordinaire, addicted to coffee. For anything else…you’ll just have to ask, or go here: About David.