Hello, ministry wife!

If you’ve been looking for a friend who knows what it’s like to have a pastor husband, welcome to Married to the Ministry—a new blog just for women whose husbands are serving in ministry. 

Whether your man is a student pastor or he leads the church part-time while also working a secular job or he’s the senior pastor over a large staff—you will find support and new friends here as we celebrate this life calling that most of our friends, family, and definitely our church members don’t always understand. As a pastor’s wife myself, I’m excited to walk alongside you, offering Truth, encouragement, and a sympathetic ear as we consider together the special burdens and benefits of this life. 

So, let’s be honest—do you ever get so overwhelmed by trying to satisfy other people’s needs and expectations that your love for Jesus … or your husband … or your church family … feels dried up? I’ve certainly felt that way at times. We know, of course, that serving in ministry offers sweet rewards, like having a front-row seat when God works in the lives of our people. At the same time, it can be hard to “count your many blessings” if you are lonely or melancholy in ministry. Oh, how the devil loves to use discouragement to trip us up! But, if we dwell on these kind of thoughts—

     I’m not spiritual enough …

             I’m not talented enough …

                     I’m not organized enough …

                             I’m not nice enough (my personal fear) … 

                                     I’m not “called” enough …

to be a good pastor’s wife—then we’ll cheat ourselves out of the abundant life that Jesus came to give His followers. Hmm…does this mean that we can have an abundant life in ministry too? Yes! Our loving Lord wants to give us good things like hope and purpose and strength and wisdom, in addition to the fruit Paul listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

After 25 years of being Mrs. Pastor (as one of our deacons used to call me) I’ve learned some strategies for balancing motherhood and work and church, as well as avoiding burnout and resentment in my role. Since Kingdom building comes in all colors, shapes and sizes, I’ll also invite regular pastors’ wives from different types of ministry settings to share lessons they’ve learned that will encourage you in your journey. 

If you have a question to ask or want to offer words of encouragement that would edify other readers, please connect with me through e-mail or social media so I can share your comments. Plus, check out the new Married to the Ministry podcast, another place we can explore ways to embrace Truth and delight in ministry life.

Until next time, let’s love Jesus, love our husbands, and love our people. Thanks for reading!