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

wives and to what extent wives understood and were aware of their role. A
biblical study of the pastor’s wife was undertaken to identify any scriptural
directives related to the pastor’s wife that would identify her within her context.
This study was to determine whether a biblical role existed for the
pastor’s wife and to confirm whether this role was correctly implemented in
the church. A clearly defined role of the pastor’s wife would enable correct
expectations to be maintained by both the pastor’s wife and the church.
5.1.2. Methodology of the Study
Using the LIM model of practical theology, a set of interview questions was
developed and ten local pastors’ wives were interviewed. Each wife agreed to
meet with me for up to two hours. Wives were open and honest concerning
their roles and whether they believed they could be separately identified apart
from their husband’s vocation. Wives volunteered to be interviewed; no one
was paid or coerced into giving an interview.
A study of scripture was undertaken to determine the ‘world as it should
be’ (Cowan, 2000). The pastor’s wife was identified as a woman, a wife and a
believer in Jesus Christ. As discovered through the author of 1 Timothy, those
women in ministry required certain character qualifications for ministry which
were identified and discussed in chapter 3 of this thesis.
In light of both the situation praxis and the biblical study a comparison was
made to recognise any areas requiring attention. Where appropriate, literature
regarding the pastor’s wife and her role within the church was reviewed.
Although little has been written about the pastor’s wife, she above all other
‘professionally’ or ‘vocationally’ referred to wives, like military wives, has more
literary aid (Bare, 1998:23). Many books written by pastors’ wives gave insight
into their lives and guidelines as to how to handle certain situations or adjust
to lifestyle changes.
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