#1: Healthy Marriages in Ministry - Jerry & Char Pelfrey

How can married couples thrive in ministry—not just survive?

In this very first episode of Missions Life, we talk with Jerry and Char Pelfrey, longtime pastor and ministry leaders, about what it takes to build and maintain a healthy marriage while serving in full-time ministry. From lessons learned to practical habits, they share honest encouragement for couples serving together on the field.

Whether you're newly married or have decades of ministry behind you, this episode is filled with wisdom, grace, and practical advice to help your marriage thrive.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The unique joys of serving together as husband and wife in ministry

✅ Common challenges couples face in cross-cultural ministry

✅ Habits and rhythms of couples who maintain healthy, Christ-centered marriages

✅ Common mistakes that husbands and wives can fall into while ministering together

✅ What Jerry and Char wish they had done differently earlier in their marriage and ministry

✅ Words of encouragement and hope for married couples on the field

This episode is a reminder that your marriage is one of your greatest ministries—and it’s worth investing in.

Jerry Pelfrey has been the senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mason, Ohio for 38 years, has done intense counseling for 3 decades, served as City Chaplain for over 30 years, and is active in civic organization. Char served for 16 years on the Mason City Council and was one of the mayors and now serves as a board member with our mission organization, ABWE. Jerry & Char have 4 daughters and have been married for 44 years. They have kids and grandkids on the mission field and are a sending church to 8 missionary families. They constantly seek to help missionaries build and maintain healthy marriages.

Show notes and links:

https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/1-healthy-marriages-in-ministry-jerry-char-pelfrey

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

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