There is not a biblical job description for a ministry wife. You can look throughout the Scripture and not find one word on what or how a ministry wife is to perform her role.
Through the years, I have searched for ways to help ministry wives understand what it means to live out their life in a “glass house.”
Here are six ways I’ve found you can lead, encourage and love the wives of your church staff.
1. Be approachable and open toward them.
Let your ministry wife know you are there for her. When she is a newbie, make certain she knows you are in her corner. Take some food over or just give a quick call to communicate that you’re glad she’s on the team.
2. Pray and intercede for her.
Set a specific time that you are solely praying for these women. They desperately need the prayers.
Let her know by text, phone call, email or a short note that you have prayed for her on certain days for specific things.
3. Be her friend! Have coffee or lunch.
Create community within your staff wives by connecting them to each other and with you. Yes, we are busy but never allow the busyness of ministry crowd out the need for intimate and fun conversation.
Loneliness is the biggest emotional issue a ministry wife can and will experience. Help her to create community by connecting her with you and other staff wives.
4. Invite her to do life and ministry with you.
Encouragement can and will come if she feels a part. Ask her to serve in her giftedness with you.
Have her family at your home for special occasions
Many ministry families are isolated from their extended families. Invite them to do life with you and, in turn, help them feel as if they are a part of something bigger.
5. Don’t assume that she has your same giftedness.
She has her own spiritual DNA. God has gifted her uniquely for His kingdom. She may not have the same passion or gifting as her husband or you.
6. Free her to be who God has created her to be and encourage her in that area of ministry.
Give her opportunities to use her gift and passion within your realm of leadership. Listen for ways that you can help her to develop and encourage her giftings!
Ministry wives are women just like you. They are ministered to by doing life together. They need someone to laugh with, cry with, and minister alongside.
They need you to love them for them as they live life in the glass house.
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