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

23C2y: Developing relationships with people – helping and watching them to
grow in the Lord. Experiencing the miraculous
12B5t: Hearing the thanks and praise of my husband’s ministry, to know that
he is touching lives and helping others.
44D3w: Seeing the appreciation and joy of people who have been helped and
benefited from my involvement in their lives.
12B4z: Seeing my husband being able to accomplish what he needs to do.
Seeing new people come to Christ and get involved in the church.
22B4w: Being married to the pastor! Being able to be the first to hear of
miracles and exciting things God is doing in and through lives of the
congregational members. To experience the care and appreciation from
members, their general good will.
Positive responses from the pastors’ wives indicate a true appreciation
for the work of the Lord within the local church and a general sense of pride
and admiration for the ministry of their husbands. Many wives indicated their
love for people and ministry, showing sensitivity to the work of the Lord and
often wanting to or enjoying being personally involved. One wife expressed
her outlook regarding being a pastor’s wife was unrewarding. The frustrations
and expectations placed on her have been overwhelming. It is common for a
wife to feel overwhelmed or burnt out at some point during her ministry, as life
gets busy and out of control. Her own expectations, her husband’s
expectations and perceived congregational expectations mount up and cloud
her mind with feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
Generally, wives who did not have the responsibility of small children at
home were confident and appreciative of the ministry years within the church,
feeling privileged and the role rewarding. Those who found friends within the
church felt supported and encouraged to continue in the ministry.
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