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

eason or another must work but inevitably believe they will miss the blessing
of ministry. These wives have created a career role as the pastor’s wife.
Dobson (2004:15) indicates that the title ‘pastor’s wife’, to her, does not
denote “a career, a position … not even a calling or perceived role. Being the
wife of a pastor is not a job”. For those wives who have chosen not to
participate full-time in the ministry of the church in a position, her role as
‘leader’ may still remain. In a survey taken of American pastors’ wives in
1993, Dobson (2004:104-105) indicates that less than 12 percent of the wives
worked for the church, whilst 42 percent worked outside of the home and a
further percentage worked privately at a home-based business. She promotes
the opportunity of working as a way of actively engaging in emotional and
mental health care for a pastor’s wife and a way by which interaction between
the husband and wife is individual but supportive.
It is obvious that as a married couple one’s life intertwines with that of
their spouse and issues of work or home life are discussed. One’s
involvement within a spouse’s life/ministry is inevitable; however,
understanding one’s boundaries and limitations is exceptionally important.
The role of the pastor’s wife in the local church is fundamentally related to the
tasks assigned to her by the church leadership. If there are very few or no
assigned responsibilities the pastor’s wife has agreed to fulfil then she should
feel free to pursue a career or necessary employment outside of the church
as this may also open up further possibility for ministry.
2.4.3 Do you enjoy your role as the wife of the pastor in the local
church? Give reasons for your response.
22B5q: Yes. I believe it is a calling. I have joy and peace in serving God
because I believe it is His plan for me.
23B3w: Yes. I generally enjoy my role, it is not a heavy burden although it
lacks the freedom of being a ‘normal’ person, not seen as the pastor’s wife but
just myself.
34D5p: Yes, I enjoy being the wife of the pastor. I enjoy people.
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