Sacrificing for our youth: Marriage

No you do not have to sacrifice your marriage for the youth. In fact, a healthy marriage truly helps youth ministry in so many ways. However there are few things we do or don't do that can be harmful to the youth. These things simply can't happen.

• Fighting in public. No matter how mad you all may be, it can't be done where the kids witness or hear about it – unless they also see, immediately, the reconciliation. Modeling good conflict resolution is a good thing.
• Talking bad about one's spouse
• Public Displays of Affection that are out of keeping for the local society. You also have to take into consideration your age – is it considered appropriate for people your age?
• Do be publicly affectionate, however. Model healthy love.
• On trips and retreats, you probably will be in separate sleeping quarters, not so much for proprieties sake but to supervise the youth. You may not want to do this, but be practical...