Rhythms for a Lifetime of Marriage and Ministry (an interview with Jani Ortlund)

Author: North American Mission Board
Published: Mon 03 Apr 2023
Episode Link: https://www.namb.net/podcasts/ministry-wives-podcast/rhythms-for-a-lifetime-of-marriage-and-ministry-an-interview-with-jani-ortlund/

The busyness of ministry and life’s ever-changing rhythms can make us feel like we are struggling not only to keep Jesus first but also meaningfully connect with our husband regularly. Today, author Jani Ortlund opens up about the rhythms and mindsets that have seen her through over 50 years of ministry and marriage.

SHOW NOTES

Our life as a ministry wife is not a performance. We should minister because of Him, out of His fullness, not duty.

Your relationship with Jesus must be first and most important. Be the type of woman who feels the lack in her life when you aren’t regularly connecting with the Lord.

Rhythms constantly need adjusting as life and ministry change. Communicate with your spouse and look for creative ways to connect during those times.

QUOTES

“I’m not ministering for Jesus. I’m ministering because of Jesus. I’m not trying to return favors or earn anything from Him. It’s just because of who He is.”

-Jani Ortlund

“I think the thing that has helped me most is my relationship with Jesus. When that has suffered, I have suffered. And consequently my ministry has suffered. So again, it comes back to my first priority. Ray and I live our lives by three priorities: Jesus, our brothers and sisters in the faith, and then mission. So if I don’t have Jesus as my first priority, if I have my ministry as my first priority, or people in the church is my first priority, then things get twisted around and lopsided and I don’t do as well.”

-Jani Ortlund