I’m Getting Married. Should I Wait to Go into Missions?

December 30, 2024

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either newly engaged or freshly married, standing at the start of a beautiful new chapter with your partner. Marriage is such a joyful, God-ordained union, but it also comes with its share of questions, especially if you feel called to foreign or local missions. You might find yourself wondering, “Should we wait to go into the mission field? Should we take time to settle into married life first? Can we truly balance both?” 


These are big questions, and there are no “one-size-fits-all” answers. But with prayer, reflection, and some guidance, you can discern if this is the right time for you and your spouse to step into missions together. Here’s some food for thought as you prayerfully consider this decision.


Your Marriage Is a Ministry


Before addressing whether or not to jump into missions, it’s essential to recognize one powerful truth. You and your spouse’s union is already a ministry. Your marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Through your partnership, you model sacrificial love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment, which can be a testimony to those around you.


However, just like any ministry, it requires time, effort, and intentionality. Especially in the early days of marriage, you’ll be laying down the foundation for how you and your spouse communicate, resolve conflicts, and grow together spiritually. Ask yourselves honestly - Are we at a place where we can serve others while continuing to nurture the health of our relationship? 


Marriage and missions can go hand in hand, but ensuring that your relationship is solid and Christ-centered is key before taking that next step.


Reasons to Enter the Mission Field Now


There are a few reasons why jumping into the mission field as newlyweds might be a good choice for you both:


1. You Share a Unified Calling


If you and your spouse feel equally passionate and called by God to missions, this might be His way of inviting you to serve Him directly together. Entering into missions as a couple can deepen your partnership and strengthen your faith as you face challenges and celebrate victories together. 


2. It Can Shape the Foundation of Your Marriage


For some couples, starting married life in a mission field can fortify the foundations of their relationship in a unique way. Serving others together teaches compassion and selflessness on a whole new level. It helps you lean on Christ and each other in ways that a more routine life may not.


3. Timing Might Be Aligned


If both of your lives are at a stage where you’re relatively free of heavy obligations (like children, long-term careers, or debts), it may be the perfect season for you to pursue mission work. This flexibility is not guaranteed in every life stage, and you may want to strike while the timing is right.

Reasons to Pause Before Taking This Step


While mission work is beautiful and important, there are certain circumstances that may warrant waiting until later to step into this calling:


1. You Need Time to Adjust to Married Life


Marriage is a significant life change, and it’s okay to take a season to adjust and focus on building a strong partnership before stepping into the additional challenges of mission work. Remember, there’s no shame in prioritizing your relationship as a way of preparing for future ministry.


2. Logistics Need to Be Worked Out


Missions often demand significant financial preparation, logistical planning, and even cultural adjustments (if moving abroad). If things feel rushed or unclear in these areas, taking some extra time to prepare can make your time in the mission field far more fruitful and enjoyable.


3. God May Be Calling You to Minister Locally First


Sometimes God’s calling begins at home. There may be opportunities in your local community or through your church where He wants you to pour into others before taking a larger leap toward formal mission work. Starting “small” in your community is no less meaningful in His eyes.


Questions for You and Your Spouse to Prayerfully Consider


If you’re stuck trying to decide whether or not now is the right time, here are some questions to discuss as a couple:


  • Do we feel equally called to missions?  
  • Have we sought God’s guidance together in prayer?  
  • How will mission work impact our ability to nurture our marriage?  
  • Are we spiritually, emotionally, and financially prepared for this step?  
  • Can we serve wholeheartedly in this season of our lives? 


God’s Timing Is Always Perfect


Whether you decide to enter missions now, later, or not at all, know this - your life and marriage are always a vessel for His work. If the timing doesn’t feel right, trust that God will open doors when He knows you are ready. If you are called to go now, trust that He will equip and guide you through every step.


Whatever your decision, walk forward with confidence knowing that God is with you in this exciting new chapter of your life.

If you still have questions, don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are countless Christian couples navigating this same decision, and there’s a community here for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out for support. No matter where God calls you to serve, He will be glorified through your faithful heart and your commitment to Him.

Want to explore more if this step is right for you and your spouse? Check out some of FREE Missions Mobilization Resources below.

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