A plus-one is more than just a guest’s companion at an event—it’s a partner, a teammate, and a co-laborer. In ministry, while I may be the invited guest to a meeting or gathering, I always pray for a plus-one to invite alongside me.

As a collaborator and verbal processor, having a plus-one brings so many benefits:

• Clarity & Understanding – Someone to process what we just heard, ensuring I grasp what was truly taught. (I admit, sometimes I hear things that were never actually said!)
• Follow-Through & Action – A partner to help implement the best next step rather than letting inspiration fade or me trying to invent a new wheel.
• Shared Passion & Purpose – A teammate who will carry the vision forward—whether launching a new initiative, improving ministry security, sharing in teaching responsibilities, or rolling out new systems to best unify and maintain a healthy culture.
• Continuity & Coverage – If I’m unable to attend due to sickness or emergency, my plus-one ensures our team still has a seat and voice at the table.
• Discipleship & Development – Someone I can invest in, mentor, and grow alongside as we pursue a common mission. This is my chance to intentionally disciple another and grow into a deeper friendship-in-the-Lord.
• Fresh Perspectives – A newer team member can bring fresh eyes, innovative ideas, and renewed excitement to familiar tasks.

This past Saturday, our first- and second-level church leaders gathered for a leadership retreat—an incredible time of scripture, table-life, Holy Spirit-led discussions, and foundational system-building for our work together in unity and love to make disciples who make disciples sharing Jesus with neighbors and nations helping one another grow in the image of Christ Jesus.

Since Family Ministry has such a significant influence on church culture, I intentionally invited a plus-one. I looked to those who recently joined our church—new members eager to serve. I also considered those stepping into serving in Family Ministry —bringing fresh perspectives. And I jumped at the chance to make a new ministry friend, introducing her to others and sharing the morning together.

We laughed, we prayed, we learned, and (mostly) completed our assignments—ha! The next day, after worship, we were still giggling in the aisle over a Holy Spirit-inspired idea that has us energized and ready to take action. We’re excited to serve, dream, and see where God leads this ambitious vision.

The next time you’re the invited guest at the ministry table of teaching, training, celebrating, and designing, prayerfully consider bringing a second (Grease!), a wingman/wingwoman (Top Gun!), a second chair (Band/Orchestra!), or a Titus (Paul!). Jesus never sent His disciples out one at a time, but rather in twos and threes up to seventy.

“Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.” Galatians 2:1