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

3.3 The Christian Woman
The Christian woman is a believer in Christ. She has submitted her life to
His authority, confessed and repented of her sins and seeks a deeper
personal relationship with her God (Jn. 3:36; 1 Jn. 1:9). We have identified the
pastor’s wife as a woman, a wife and now seek to identify her as one in
Christ, a believer, who is striving to become more like Christ and her ideal
equivalent, the noble woman.
3.3.1 The Importance of Identity Awareness
It is important that a pastor’s wife understands her biblical womanhood
– the reason for her existence, her purpose and her identity in Christ. This
knowledge brings confidence to fulfil her calling, thus, honouring God by
supporting her husband and actively serving alongside him and within the
body of Christ. This point, although seemingly simplistic, is important for any
person. Women often find their identity in their husbands or in a prominent
figure within their lives, sometimes even their children (Dobson, 2004:37).
Men often find their identity in their vocation and not in a person (Eggerichs,
2004:196). Dobson (2004:37) relates how identity awareness, for the
unbelieving wife, 14 could present a problem should the husband pass away.
Her whole reason for existence is threatened and she may begin to have
feelings of worthlessness as one lacking any purpose.
Culver (1987:46-47) explains the differences between men and
women, specifically in their biological make-up. He claims, through scientific
research, that women are more sensitive to their environment and therefore
have a more nurturing and social nature. They quickly and easily form a
nucleus of supporters who are available in a time of crisis to which they can
identify. This circle of friends will often lift up a widow, giving her comfort and
support, but ultimately her identity is in crisis. Women are relationship driven
14 Dobson only alludes to the unbelieving wife on the premise that the believing wife
(although she may be affected in a similar way) should be secure because her identity resides
in Christ and not solely in her husband. A wife should grieve the loss of her husband but the
believing wife has the security in knowing that she is not lost with her husband because her
identity remains secure in Christ. As a believing wife her identity should not be in crisis.
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