In the early days of my husband’s pastoral career, he held the highly esteemed but meagerly paid position of youth intern. Being a young seminarian, he worked long hours, embracing any opportunity available to gain as much experience as he could. I, being young, in love, and a childless bride, stayed at his side—singing in the choir, teaching the children, and playing the piano. I even survived a junior high lock-in or two. Imagine my delight when, at our annual congregational meeting, I was bestowed the honor of "Layperson of the Year." The church chairman beamed as he handed me the award. "How could we have known," he said, "that we would get two for the price of one?"

It wasn’t long before the demands of full-time ministry and a few children entered our lives. Somehow "two for the price of one" seemed like a good deal for everyone but my husband and me...continue reading

Excerpt found at AG Enrichment Journal Online, written for Spring 2000 issue by Joanna Bloss, who ministers with her husband in McPherson, Kansas.

Tricia lives in Birmingham, AL and is married to Shawn Lovejoy, an author and the founder of CourageToLead, a coaching resource for pastors. She is a contributing writer for the North American Mission Board and blogs at SharpenHer.com with insights into their Christian life, a little fun, and a lot of real-life transparency. Together, she and her husband lead out in ministry and life. They have 3 children.