The Biblical Role of the Pastor's wife - South African Theological ...

Events of encouragement may differ depending on the pastor’s wife,
her availability and stage in life. The most important thing is that the wife feels
loved and supported by her church family, not simply because she is the
pastor’s wife but also a person who needs fellowship.
The role of the pastor’s wife is unique to the woman. She is called to
minister to the needs of her husband and be willing to share him with others.
She needs the support of friends, family and church members in order to
accomplish this challenging task. The church will certainly benefit if the
pastor’s marriage is vibrant and healthy, so doing something that will allow
quality time together for the pastoral couple should be made possible at least
once a year.
When the pastor’s wife is encouraged to be a woman (perhaps treated
with a manicure) and to build her relationship with Christ (through a good
book or an afternoon ‘off’), she will feel accepted as the person God has
made her to be with more self-confidence. Not only will she know who she is
in Christ, but she will also be more confident to move in this freedom. All will
know the encouragement she feels as she expresses this encouragement to
others. Most wives are great encouragers and giving people who desire to be
a blessing. I believe that those who know they have a cheerleader in life will
be encouraged to cheer on others.
The pastor's wife is first and foremost a child of God. This, of course,
links her to every other Christian woman, yet there is one unique aspect.
While this is the foundation for all she is as a woman, wife, and perhaps
mother, many may expect her to be fully mature from the start. She needs to
be seen as a sinner, saved by grace who is becoming all God intended her to
be. Others must give her the freedom to grow and mature in Christ. This
freedom from unrealistic expectations should enable her to walk in confidence
and humility.
The W.I.F.E. programme is a simple programme but can be an
effective way of insuring the pastor’s wife and her family is nurtured. If
administered by a deacon(ess) it means that one is paying attention to the
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