Perhaps I should go back now and read through this thread. I'm sure there's diversity of opinion on this issue.
I was just thinking that certainly there are many pastors' wives (I know many) who are associate pastors in most nearly every sense of the word.
They work hard, sacrifice much, invest their lives in the work of God and have their own calling and anointing. The title is probably deserved in many cases even if it hasn't been bestowed or if they haven't been voted or appointed "officially" to that position.
One of my best friends who I'm spending much time with this week would be one of those who would "fit" the associate pastor role. She's fantastic and their ministry wouldn't be what it is if it wasn't for her.
Simple
as
that!
__________________ Smiles & Blessings.... ~Felicity Welsh~ (surname courtesy of Jim Yohe)
I believe that a pastor's wife has the same responsibilities as any other wife...BUT she also has to deal with saints (and sometimes her husband) having [often] unreasonably high expectations of her. I think pastor's wives should be treated as the human beings they are. They deserve respect, but I don't think they are "pastors" by default.
Some pastor's wives are more heavily involved in church work than others, but I've known some who stay out of everything. I think that's just fine, if that's what they want to do. I don't think pastor's wives should have to shoulder the pastoral responsibilities just because their husband is a pastor. That would be like asking wives of doctors to treat patients when her husband isn't available!
However, if a woman has gifts and callings to offer, and her husband wants/needs her help, I think that arrangement is just fine. It would be up to the pastor and the congregation, ultimately.
I can't think of any instance where I would think a pastor's wife isn't "doing enough." If she is keeping her home and raising her children, she's already doing enough. Anything above and beyond that is extra effort.
__________________
"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
I believe that a pastor's wife has the same responsibilities as any other wife...BUT she also has to deal with saints (and sometimes her husband) having [often] unreasonably high expectations of her. I think pastor's wives should be treated as the human beings they are. They deserve respect, but I don't think they are "pastors" by default.
Some pastor's wives are more heavily involved in church work than others, but I've known some who stay out of everything. I think that's just fine, if that's what they want to do. I don't think pastor's wives should have to shoulder the pastoral responsibilities just because their husband is a pastor. That would be like asking wives of doctors to treat patients when her husband isn't available!
However, if a woman has gifts and callings to offer, and her husband wants/needs her help, I think that arrangement is just fine. It would be up to the pastor and the congregation, ultimately.
I can't think of any instance where I would think a pastor's wife isn't "doing enough." If she is keeping her home and raising her children, she's already doing enough. Anything above and beyond that is extra effort.
Great post, Bratt!!
__________________
I hate to see you frown. So wear a bag over your head until you cheer up!
Some people call me Pastor Sherri, but not a lot. It doesn't bother me, and I certainly don't expect it. But, because of some backgrounds, they just do it automatically. I don't do the pulpit stuff, but I do fulfill alot of pastoral roles. I do work in the office and do some counseling, etc. I am involved in major decisions. I oversee the Women's Ministry and Missions. This is all by choice though, not because I'm married to THE MAN. If I just wanted to stay home and cook and clean, he would let me. (But......I get bored with that!!)
The pastors' wives who have been personal friends through the years are wonderful.
Most of the pastors' wives I've know generally speaking through the years have been wonderful.
I've found that generally speaking those who God has called to partner with God called men are wonderful women.
This has been my personal experience. Guess I've been one of the lucky, favoured and blessed to have known so many wonderful women of God.
Again this week as I'm reconnecting with so many people I've known through the years and getting to meet and observe some of the younger PWs as well, I am very very impressed! Perhaps our district has been favoured in this area as well because I don't know of any PWs who have ruined or destroyed their husband's ministry in my home district.
That's my testimony.
__________________ Smiles & Blessings.... ~Felicity Welsh~ (surname courtesy of Jim Yohe)
Hybrid Mode
