Expert Pastor's Wife---Part 1

Is it really possible for someone to be an expert at being a pastor’s wife?

Webster’s Dictionary defines “expert” as: 1. (adjective) showing special skill or knowledge; 2. (noun) a specialist. Do you possess special skills and knowledge that make being a pastor’s wife a breeze (please share it with the rest of us!) Are you a specialist in the areas of encouraging, praying, giving, listening, etc…? The list could go on. Being an expert, now that’s something to ponder.

The Scriptures give no instructions for pastors’ wives. There have been many books written to encourage pastors’ wives. There have been countless seminars that minister to the needs of pastors’ wives. There are wonderful support groups out there among the various communities of pastors’ wives. Yet how does one become an expert in this role?

Maybe there really is no such thing. But I wonder if the truly successful wives practice something over and over again that all of us should strive to emulate: praying for their husbands without ceasing and making a commitment to serve the Lord no matter where they are planted. I am sure we all do this to some degree, but I could do better, what about you? In this blog I want to address the praying issue, and in my next blog I will expound on making the commitment to serve.

As pastors’ wives, we know our husbands better than anyone, and the Lord shows us areas where we can pray for him on a daily basis. We can always lift him up in these areas :

(1) His Spiritual Growth---Pastors need to grow in the Lord too. Many in our congregations sometime forget that. While the pastor’s job is to “feed the flock”, he needs the Lord to feed him as well. Pray for the Lord to grow your spouse in the knowledge of Christ and to give him spiritual wisdom and insight (Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18). Also, pray that he will truly love God’s Word and receive joy from it, and not merely use it as a tool for sermon topics. (Jeremiah 15:16)
(2) His Mind---Pastor’s are bombarded with many situations that need to be addressed every day, and some days are more challenging than others. What a blessing to be able to petition the Lord to give your husband wisdom to prioritize his duties and to have his thoughts focused and directed toward what the Lord’s will is for him for each day. (James 1:5; 2 Corinthians 10:5) Pray that he will be reminded that he has the mind of Christ as he tackles the circumstances of the day. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
(3) His Physical Health and Strength---Pastors need to have a certain amount of physical stamina in order to effectively handle the demands of ministry, balance family life, and work an additional job (if he is bi-vocational). In 3 John, verse 2, God’s Word says “Beloved , I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” Just as your husband’s spiritual health is of the utmost importance, his physical health is very important also. Of course, praying for good health does not mean that he will never get sick, for we all succumb to illness at times. Yet ask the Lord to give him the knowledge to take care of himself by scheduling regular doctor’s visits, getting adequate rest, and being open to occasionally getting away for rest and relaxation.

These are just a few areas to pray for. Ask the Lord to show you more things to petition Him for regarding your husband.

Although none of us may be considered “experts” in this role, I believe our Heavenly Father has gifted us all in different ways that we may serve Him, and serve Him well as we stand beside our husbands in ministry. I have been a pastor’s wife for 10 years, and I am still learning!