By Jo Ann Hinton
Does wearing the label “pastor’s wife” bring fear and trepidation? Don’t panic. While it is true this calling adds responsibilities, God will equip you for it. Marrying a pastor does not automatically mean you embrace the label. You willingly accept it or reject it. Your attitude can be “this is too great a sacrifice” or you can trust that God’s rewards are always greater than any sacrifices. Thankfully, there is no “mold” to fit into. Churches are getting better at accepting pastoral couples for who they are. What an improvement from the notion that pastor’s wives had to play the piano, cook like master chefs and teach every group from the nursery to the nursing home!
Though we each have a unique design, here are some worthy goals for pastor’s wives:
1. Represent Christ, your church, and your husband well. Your example always shows. You will not be perfect, but reach toward the goal. Admit your faults, ask forgiveness, and allow others to hold you accountable. Pretense only leads to heartbreak.
2. Be helpful. Only vital personal time with Jesus provides attitude correction and power to help not hinder. Guard against resentment and bitterness. Squelch frustration by remembering your own imperfections.
3. Love the sheep, even the stinky unlikeable ones. It is revolutionary to realize God will give you love if you ask! Loving people on your own does not work. Sometimes sheep are hard to love, but God’s love never fails. Utilize it. Ask for it.
4. Love your spouse. Never be his critic. Be his biggest fan. Encourage, praise, and lovingly counsel him. Pray for wisdom before “sharing your thoughts.” Kindness and kind words are inseparable from love.
Early on, I struggled prioritizing my involvement in church. Volunteers were desperately needed, yet I had no peace about where to plug in. One day the Lord made His will crystal clear. It was to serve my husband first. That day God set my priorities straight for years of ministry. I enjoy other activities besides, but serving “Pastor Keith” is my greatest joy and honor. It will be “until death do us part.”