In this episode, Beth Guckenberger, author and Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, reminds us that our marriage and our friendships with co-laborers are truly vital to long-term ministry. Guarding and growing these intimate relationships is not only key to sustaining us for the long haul – just as much, a healthy marriage and friendships produce some of the most significant gifts we can offer those we serve.

In this episode, you’ll explore

• How God invites us in each moment to one task – loving the one person he puts in front of us
• The importance of finding time to have intentional moments to connect, process life together, and pray together
• Simple habits that nourish marriage and friendships amidst demanding ministry
• How a vibrant marriage in Christ not only sustains us but also spills life into the people we serve as well
• How to seek to serve your team – in their marriages, in their spiritual lives, and also in helping them grow other knowledge and skills for their work as well

Key Quotes

“Make sure you either recruit your heart friends to be your teammates, or your teammates to become your heart friends. ” – Beth Guckenberger

“A withered marriage will always wither our ministry over time. ” – Jedd Medefind

“Be truthful, not impressive. Don’t work so hard at being impressive. Just keep telling the truth about how you’re growing, what is hard, and inviting people into that story with you.” – Beth Guckenberger

“Guarding and growing our intimate relationships is not only key to sustaining us for the long haul; the overflow of a healthy marriage and friendships is one of the most important things we offer to those we serve. ” – Jedd Medefind

“Make sure that when you serve someone that they walk away grateful to Jesus and not to you. That’s how you know you’ve done it in a way that’s healthy.” – Beth Guckenberger

Meet Our Guest

BETH GUCKENBERGER

Co-Executive Director, Back2Back Ministries

Beth and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Cincinnati, Ohio where they serve as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries. After graduating from Indiana University, the Guckenbergers moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised ten children. Beth is the author of seven books including adult and children’s titles. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and church services. Her style is based in story-telling and she draws from her vast field experience as a missionary, Bible teacher and parent for illustrations of biblical concepts.

Beth’s passion is working with orphans through Back2Back Ministries. Her desire is to see lasting change in the lives of the orphans she serves. Beth serves alongside her husband, Todd, as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries – a leader in the field of orphan care and child development.

Beth also has a number of excellent books, including her most recent, Start with Amen. Beth will also be speaking at the CAFO2018 Summit in Dallas, May 9-11, 2018.