In Gratitude For The Often-Forgotten Pastor’s Wife

By: Daniel Henderson

Read the Original Article HERE

Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Romans 13:7 commends, “…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

The pastor’s wife fulfills a unique call, carries a special burden, and is often overlooked. She deserves a level of appreciation and honor that is seldom expressed as is merited.

A while back, at a conference in the Toronto area, a moment was set aside to honor pastors’ wives. This proved to be a powerful and emotional moment. Karl Whittingstall, the Pastor of Family Ministries, read a moving tribute to pastors’ wives.

Here is that tribute:

To the pastor’s wife, the woman often behind, but so faithfully beside, a man God has called to labor for Him. Your husband stands on stage and preaches, leads your church, cares for other people’s needs, points groups to Jesus, hangs out with church members, leads and attends retreats, counsels people, works with other leaders, and makes hard decisions. Everyone sees him, but often, and usually unintentionally, overlooks you. It isn’t easy to be you, and we all publicly acknowledge that right now.

You endure so much!! Your husband worn down mentally, physically, and spiritually from caring for others struggles to come home with enough gas in the tank to care for you. You are often privately under spiritual attack.

For all the times you held down the fort while your husband went to work; for all the days off or evening dates that didn’t happen because of ministry… We can’t give you those back, but we can say, “Thank you,” and try to love you better.

Please don’t be discouraged, pastor’s wife. The Lord Sees It All. He knows your frustration, your discouragement, and your times of hurt and loneliness. You carry a burden that is no doubt different from, but just as weighty as your husband’s. Do not believe the lies of the evil one that you are not being used, that you are somehow “just” a pastor’s wife. You are the smile, the warmth, the comfort, the faithful, prayerful, patient, more-helpful-than-you-could-even-know partner to the man God has called to labor for Him. You might not often be seen or even be with him, but he can’t do it without you beside him. Thank you for your prayers,

Thank you for your endurance. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your correction even when we don’t want to hear it. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your honesty, loyalty, and patience.

From every pastor and ministry director to their wife: We love you!