Pastor’s go through training in seminary, Bible college, leadership training etc. They are equipped for the assignment and the mandate, they are prepared for the task, they know what to expect.
Pastor’s wife on the other hand walks into it by the virtue of marriage. She is expected to fit in the shoes and walk in them. There are those that take the vision and run with it. There are those that will take time to understand the vision and to embrace it. There are those that may have a hard time understanding and embracing the vision.
When a Pastors wife understands the vision, her role and purpose; when she embraces it, she will walk in it even when it is tough, hard and rough.
When a pastor’s wife does not understand the vision or role, when they do not embrace it then they do not walk in it. This is when negative attitude sprouts, wrong emotions manifest resulting in feelings of dislike, jealousy, anger especially towards the congregation. As these emotions are released, the congregation reacts in line with them resulting in tension and resentment towards the Pastor’s wife. When the congregation do not understand her role, her purpose, and her sacrifice they do not give her the full respect and honor; likewise, she will react in line with their emotions.
To the husband
You are her first teacher, and her first mentor
You are her covering, her support and her confidant
Help her walk in her role
To the Pastor’s wife
Have a teachable spirit to listen and learn
Embrace the vision, the purpose and the call
Be strong in the word and in prayer
To the congregation
Purpose to walk in respect and honor for the vessels of God
Do not look at the Pastor’s wife with the lenses of judgment
Avoid gossip and slander, it only creates a negative preconceived notion towards her and builds bias
Unless you have a proven truth of the Pastor’s attitude do not sail in the negative boat and always uplift the Pastor’s wife in prayer
Rose Shiku
© Effective Global Training