Resources for Pastor's Wives

Are you a woman in ministry who is barely keeping her head above water? Do your current challenges sometimes knock you under the waves and roll you along leaving you disoriented and exhausted? I used to feel that way A LOT. Would you take ten minutes with me and let me share some stories and thoughts that might encourage you?

Pastor’s wives don’t just struggle with idealistic demands we place on ourselves. We can also drain ourselves trying to fulfill church members’ unrealistic expectations. Speaking as a recovering perfectionist, this is a grueling way to live. Not only can it wear you out, but it presumes upon the grace of your family and close friends. I used to be a draining person to be around. So many plates up in the air. So many self-created hoops to jump through.

Are you tired much of the time? Does it seem like your church life uses you up? Are you married to a ministry workaholic?

When did being a workaholic get upgraded to a virtue in the church?

One of the biggest traps pastoral couples fall into is trying to keep their fingers in every pot in their church, so that things are done “right.”

Are you and your spouse secretly fantasizing about leaving your current church and applying elsewhere?

So you’ve been daydreaming about leaving your church and finding a new ministry position?

Please read the first part of this series for some encouragement. I’ve been there and I truly understand. If you’re ready to armor up (Ephesians 6: 10-18) and stand and fight for the vision God gave you for your place, then this article is for you. This is just some stuff Ken, and I learned the hard way that might help you.

I don’t care how large or small your church is, at some point you will be confronted by someone who is a challenge to love.

They might be a critic or complainer. Sometimes their personality naturally clashes with yours. Whatever the struggle, you are still their pastor’s wife. How do you love them in a way that is authentic?