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
Well, I'll tell you what...you go ahead and stand up for the folks that need to communicate how bad their pastors' wives are. Since there are so many folks who feel a burden for that ministry, there ought to be one or two like me who will voice the other side.
I'll go ahead and stand in the corner of those precious, hard-working, Kingdom minded ladies who do so much an get scant credit for it.
Well start talking about them!!
Think I'll start a hard working Pastor's Wife appreciation thead..
Well, I'll tell you what...you go ahead and stand up for the folks that need to communicate how bad their pastors' wives are. Since there are so many folks who feel a burden for that ministry, there ought to be one or two like me who will voice the other side.
I'll go ahead and stand in the corner of those precious, hard-working, Kingdom minded ladies who do so much an get scant credit for it.
CS,
When men are instructed to choose their wife carefully because she can make or break his ministry it's ridiculous to sugar coat the whole issue as though there are no problems that have arisen, that have ruined ministries, that have ruined churches.
No one here wants to bash anyone or make a pastor's wife feel she isn't necessary.
BUT, as with any other issue - there are always two sides to the coin.
I have seen both. I'm not going to pretend like I haven't.
CS,
When men are instructed to choose their wife carefully because she can make or break his ministry it's ridiculous to sugar coat the whole issue as though there are no problems that have arisen, that have ruined ministries, that have ruined churches.
No one here wants to bash anyone or make a pastor's wife feel she isn't necessary.
BUT, as with any other issue - there are always two sides to the coin.
I have seen both. I'm not going to pretend like I haven't.
I don't believe in sugar-coating anything.
But like I said, there are enough folks who are happy to shoot the pastors' wives full of holes, so I am just happy to add a little balance.
But like I said, there are enough folks who are happy to shoot the pastors' wives full of holes, so I am just happy to add a little balance.
I don't think we were shootin' holes.. just talkin' about titles...
I do think we were talking about issues that happen.. But NO names were mentioned just experiances...
There are some MEN I know who's ministry has been stopped or stayed by the wife... There are some who's ministry has SHINED brightly because of their wife...
CS,
When men are instructed to choose their wife carefully because she can make or break his ministry it's ridiculous to sugar coat the whole issue as though there are no problems that have arisen, that have ruined ministries, that have ruined churches.
No one here wants to bash anyone or make a pastor's wife feel she isn't necessary.
BUT, as with any other issue - there are always two sides to the coin.
I have seen both. I'm not going to pretend like I haven't.
Just my thoughts!
I thank God for all the pastors wives that I have had, none have been nothing but wonderful.
Its hard being a pastors wife in that the role is really undefined, and it seems (as CS so well put it) many find fault with because she doesnt fit the role that people think a pastors wife should fill.
I think we spend too much time trying to figure out what other people should be doing and worry about ourselves.
AND...what is wrong with a husband who likes to cook anyway? Keith cooks all the time and is good at-he does a mean BBQ. (MYOB)
I thank God for all the pastors wives that I have had, none have been nothing but wonderful.
Its hard being a pastors wife in that the role is really undefined, and it seems (as CS so well put it) many find fault with because she doesnt fit the role that people think a pastors wife should fill.
I think we spend too much time trying to figure out what other people should be doing and worry about ourselves.
AND...what is wrong with a husband who likes to cook anyway? Keith cooks all the time and is good at-he does a mean BBQ. (MYOB)
I think that's the reason Mentor's are so important... They help define roles and position...
Keith cooks all the time and is good at-he does a mean BBQ. (MYOB)
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