A friend of the ministry writes in, Pastor John, I'm a 24-year-old follower of Christ who

serves as the student pastor of a small Southern Baptist church.

I'm also a full-time student in seminary.

My girlfriend and I have been dating for a long time and we both want to move forward

in marriage.

We have prayed about it and both of our churches are very supportive of our relationship

and future marriage.

The problem is that we don't make enough money.

She makes enough to contribute to our relationship financially, but I do not.

I've asked my church to reevaluate my salary, but they cannot afford to raise it.

I work 40 plus hours a week in ministry and put in 30 plus hours a week in classes.

If I take on a second job, I'll be neglecting my girlfriend, my ministry, and my education.

So what do I do?

First of all, let me commend our friend for being the one to write with this question

instead of assuming that his girlfriend should take the initiative to do that.

I think that's a good sign that he is ready to step up and do what needs to be done, I hope so.

I'm not a believer in long engagements.

Seems to me that there is something, especially in our culture, that is unnatural and unwise.

When a couple knows that they're heading for marriage and others have confirmed that wisdom,

unnatural to keep putting it off for various practical reasons.

Seems to me that in general, if two single people can make a living and get along on their own,

then they can probably make a living and get along together.

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