Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/84

Contributor - Anonymous

Title - View From The Parsonage

Topic - Pastor's Wives - 2 Views

Dear Congregation:

I feel in need tonight to share my feelings about being your pastor's wife so you can understand me better. I can be an outgoing, pleasant person but you will find that I tend to want to be left alone if I feel you do not approve of me, my husband or my children.

I have never felt sorry that I am a pastor's wife. I accept this position as a challenge to develop spiritually and grow in my own discipleship and never as a duty to do tasks because they are expected of me.

As a pastor's wife I have a unique man for a husband. I suppose it is his calling that makes him unique. is there any other calling where a husband's performance makes his wife so personally involved in his work? If his preaching is excellent, I hear at Ladies meetings, "What a good sermon", otherwise, "Oh, Pastor was hard to understand". if the choir is not up to par, somehow the pastor had something to do with it. Please remember, my husband has a style of ministry which is uniquely his own, God given and God blessed. Give yourself time to get to know his sincerity and his passion for souls.

I enjoy living in our lovely parsonage. A parsonage is one of the best home environments for children I know of. A home where God is the head and the Bible is read with prayer being a part of our daily life. The children see faith in action and discover that Christianity is a living reality. We as parents strive never to criticize you, the people of our congregation, before our children and I am sure that this positive image of you as a congregation has been one factor in making our children active, enthusiastic members of Christ's Church. Can I expect less of you who sit in the pew on Sunday to speak respectfully, compassionately of your pastor and wife.

There are times when I find it extremely difficult to cope with my feelings but the knowledge that you will continue to support and encourage the ministry being accomplished, gives me incentive to do my best. All I ask is for your prayers, that together our love for Christ and His Church will become deeper and more perfect.

In His bonds,

A Pastor's Wife

from the parsonage

The "Other Half's" Reflections of the Pastorate

As I sit amidst the chaos of partially packed boxes and stacks of belongings I wonder what the future holds for us.

Although I am not actively involved in all areas of the church ministry, in many cases I act in a supportive role. As a pastor's wife, we have a shared hope, goal and vision to proclaim the good news of Jesus. The Lord has given me a natural ability to love people. it is my hope and prayer to reflect God's love in my encounter with others.

Throughout our ministry we've rubbed elbows with a varied mosaic of cultures and personalities. With them we've reached pinnacles of joy and depths of sorrow, clinging to the promise that, "I'll never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). We've agonized with the church family over illness, marriage problems, loss, death, etc. Often I do not understand. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly. (I Coy. 13:12)

My school of learning has only partially been in the classroom and much from everyday experiences. What pat formula for answers can I give when someone's life is falling apart. What reassuring reply can I offer when a telephone conversation reveals the imminent death of a loved one? How can I console a mother who has lost a child or comfort an older woman who faces a mastectomy? overwhelming emotion floods my being as I recall how the Master, too, wept at Lazarus' death. I reflect, too, on how He said, "My grace is sufficient foy you." (Cor. 12:9)

There, too, has been joy which knows no bounds and blessings beyond measure! We'll never forget the births of our four healthy children as well as the numerous infants born in our congregations. There have been marriages made in heaven, business ventures blessed with success, and prayers answered. But most of all there has been spiritual renewal and growth to last through all eternity.

Our weeks are not all filled with mountain peak and valley experiences. Much of our life is routine, serene and predictable with a steady pattern of events from one year to the next.

How will we meet the new challenges and experiences of Camp Shalom? I admit, I do not know. But this I know, wherever the Lord leads, I shall go in joy, knowing I am a child of the King.

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