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

CHAPTER 5
Conclusion
5.1. Review of the Research
This study sought to identify and define the role of the pastor’s wife in
the local church. Tradition, in many ways, has determined the role of the
‘typical’ pastor’s wife to be a humble unpaid worker in the church, who gives
of herself freely in various capacities to work alongside her husband.
It was my intention to discover the situation praxis of churches in
Somerset West, Western Cape and then to identify the biblical directive for
the pastor’s wife and make a comparison. I anticipated that there was a lack
of understanding regarding the biblical role of the pastor’s wife, both by the
church and the pastor’s wife within the South African context.
5.1.1. Objectives of the Study
The aim of this research was to discover the current situation regarding
the role of the pastor’s wife in the context of churches in Somerset West,
Western Cape. In order to determine the current situation, it was necessary to
speak to local pastors’ wives. Managed correctly, this research would answer
the following questions:
• What is the current role of the pastor’s wife in the local church?
• How does the current situation compare with the biblical requirements?
• What biblical principles are needed to assist the pastor’s wife in
understanding her role in the local church in the South African context?
• What teaching does the local church require in order to biblically
understand the role of the pastor’s wife in the local church?
A clearer understanding of the role of the pastor’s wife would add significant
value to the field of practical theology as well as to the local church in
educating believers of the function, purpose and value of the pastor’s wife. It
was the purpose of this study to establish whether a role existed for pastors’
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