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

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elieve, is something that would need to be addressed between mentors and<br />

mentored; a security must exist in order to establish a trustworthy relationship.<br />

Many young pastors’ wives <strong>of</strong>ten need <strong>the</strong> reassurance and<br />

understanding that phases in life pass. Some young mo<strong>the</strong>rs lack <strong>the</strong><br />

concentration to focus on <strong>the</strong>ir spiritual lives with <strong>the</strong> demands <strong>of</strong> family life. A<br />

mentor would be able to help her focus and grow in her relationship with <strong>the</strong><br />

Lord. Stuart (2005) shares that mentoring<br />

is a ministry that intentionally develops friendships among<br />

women <strong>of</strong> different generations. Women invest in <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong><br />

each o<strong>the</strong>r through encouragement, guidance, listening,<br />

laughing and loving. <strong>The</strong> goal is to form strong and lasting<br />

relationships that are a source <strong>of</strong> support, growth and strength.<br />

Johnson (2008) concurs, she says that<br />

when a woman is encouraged to become all that God<br />

intended, she becomes a role model for younger women <strong>of</strong><br />

satisfied womanhood and fulfillment. She is personally<br />

satisfied and makes a significant difference in every part <strong>of</strong> her<br />

world.<br />

Although some wives indicated that <strong>the</strong>y were too busy to fit one more<br />

commitment into <strong>the</strong>ir schedule, I would strongly recommend that <strong>the</strong> older<br />

wives make time to reach out and <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong>ir love and experience to a younger<br />

<strong>wife</strong> in need. Those younger wives must make a mentoring relationship a<br />

priority in <strong>the</strong>ir lives, not only will it benefit <strong>the</strong>m but it will also help <strong>the</strong>m to<br />

take manageable steps, living each day as it comes.<br />

4.5. Chapter Summary<br />

In summary, I have attempted to answer <strong>the</strong> question, “what must we<br />

do”? I have addressed some specific needs faced by pastors’ wives and<br />

suggested a clear way forward for both <strong>the</strong> local church and <strong>the</strong> pastor’s <strong>wife</strong>.<br />

Cowan (2000) indicates that, “Responsibility for <strong>the</strong>ological reflection leading<br />

to committed action rests finally not with church <strong>of</strong>ficials or academic scholars<br />

but with members <strong>of</strong> local communities <strong>of</strong> faith”. Each individual local church<br />

must respond correctly identifying <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastor’s <strong>wife</strong> and is<br />

responsible to care for and protect <strong>the</strong>ir pastoral family through prayer and<br />

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