When Hannah and I began to lead the college ministry at the Crystal Cathedral years ago, we did it as a team. However, as the months went by, she got busy pursuing a graphic design business, and our career paths drifted in different directions. In those days, I would attend conferences with various pastors and ministry leaders, and I would hear story after story from men whose wives — who were never there — were dealing with infertility, anxiety, or depression. I remember at the time thinking that this was strange, especially considering these men’s call to guide their families to God’s abundant life. Fortunately for me, a while later, I attended a very different kind of event, and this time, everyone was asking me about Hannah. In fact, they were wondering why she wasn’t there. Though it, too, was a gathering of faith leaders, it represented the charismatic tradition where husbands and wives typically lead as a team. To them, it was a given that Hannah would accompany me, because they assumed that the two of us were partners in ministry. Well, their questions got me thinking, and shortly thereafter, we both had the realization that I wasn’t called to pastor by myself. I needed my wife to bring her unique strengths so that the two of us could step into the fullness of God together. You see, in the Body of Christ, we are more effective when we work side-by-side, and I’m certain that when we co-labor with our families, there’s a multiplied blessing that finds us. This is why I remain passionate about my wife, daughter, and son sharing the platform with me, and it’s why you’ll see my family involved in everything I do. I am a blessed man, and I firmly believe that my most precious gifts are already by my side.

My friend, I don’t know what your situation is, but I know that relationships are an important part of your calling. Though it’s tempting to get caught up in big ambitions and devote all of your time and energy to building an empire, many of life’s greatest blessings are already in your midst. Yes, pursuing your dream is important, but nothing is more vital than nurturing your connections with those you love and care about, especially the members of your own household. When you maintain a humble posture and keep your family first, they will teach, complement, and encourage you, and your impact in the Kingdom of God will be vastly multiplied.