Episode 39

EP39: When Ministry and Marriage Collide

September 7th, 2026

35 mins 32 secs

Link with Timestamp

Download MP3 (66.3 MB)

Your Hosts
Tags
youth ministry resources youth ministry podcast youth minister tips youth discipleship ydisciple podcast ydisciple why are you here teen ministry pete burds parish ministry missionary discipleship ministry leadership ministry inspiration ministry calling how to evangelize how to accompany teens faith formation evangelization stories evangelization discipleship training conversion stories catholic youth ministry catholic youth formation catholic podcast catholic ministry training catholic leaders catholic evangelization catholic discipleship resources catholic discipleship podcast catholic conversion annie grandell accompaniment in ministry

About this Episode

About this Episode

In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell bring their spouses, Emily and Jason, into the conversation for an honest look at marriage, family, and life in ministry.

Together, they talk about the unique challenges that come with being married to someone whose work involves relationships, retreats, late nights, travel, and a calling that doesn't always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule. They also share plenty of stories from their own marriages—including the mistakes, tensions, and lessons they've learned along the way.

Pete and Annie talk about the importance of boundaries and expectations—especially when ministry schedules are unpredictable. The spouses share what it looks like to communicate about time, surrender jealousy, support one another's callings, and recognize that different seasons of life may require different roles.

And, because this is the YDisciple Podcast, the episode isn't all serious. The conversation ends with a surprisingly revealing question:

What is a quirky habit your spouse has that you secretly love?

From improvised songs to “bobcat” chip bags and questionable road-trip navigation, it's a reminder that healthy marriages aren't built only on big spiritual conversations—they're also built on friendship, humor, and learning to love the little quirks of the person beside you.

Whether you're married to a ministry leader, serving in ministry yourself, or simply trying to figure out how your vocation fits into family life, this episode offers an honest reminder: your ministry matters, but so does the person sitting across the table from you.

Connect with Us

  • Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
  • Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching
  • Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts
  • Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast

Reflection for This Week

Ask yourself:

  • Have I allowed my ministry or work to become part of my identity in a way that competes with my vocation?
  • What expectations around time, family, and ministry do I need to communicate more clearly?
  • How can I better support the vocation of the person I'm married to?
  • What would it look like for our family to discern how we are called to be “on mission” together?