This is very important conversation. As a pastor's wife, I have seen a little of the stress, frustration and sometimes, disappointment in ministry. And not having anyone to share it with, well, I now understand why Pastor's wife get bitter easily.
It can be challenging! It takes a lot of intentionality and complete dependence on the Holy Spirit to keep your heart soft in ministry because it IS easy to get bitter. You're not alone and what brings me solace and comfort is knowing that there is a community of women who “get it.” ♥️
Hey Natalie, thanks for sharing. This is an important topic that does not get discussed enough. Many Pastors and Ministry Leaders develop care giver type stress. I think it’s healthier for ministry leaders to develop a few friendships outside of the direct ministry environment. Trust is the needed ingredient.
Absolutely agree! I wrote about that topic under “What I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Pastor’s Wife” as these outside of ministry friendships have truly been a saving grace in so many instances! Thanks for reading! 😀
“ There are occasions when I think I am heading into what is supposed to be a fun, lighthearted time with friends, but it turns into a venting/meeting/counseling situation.” Yes! Of course, in a sense these kinds of conversations are “part of the job” as long as we know the conversation we’re having. But it’s so good to have those safe friends and time to unwind and relax with them.
One thousand percent! I think it's more difficult when it feels like you are truly blindsided thinking "I really thought we were just going bowling and going to eat french fries" but it goes completely LEFT! 😆
This is very important conversation. As a pastor's wife, I have seen a little of the stress, frustration and sometimes, disappointment in ministry. And not having anyone to share it with, well, I now understand why Pastor's wife get bitter easily.
It can be hard.
Thank you.
It can be challenging! It takes a lot of intentionality and complete dependence on the Holy Spirit to keep your heart soft in ministry because it IS easy to get bitter. You're not alone and what brings me solace and comfort is knowing that there is a community of women who “get it.” ♥️
Absolutely 💯. It takes intentionality and taking your heart to God constantly.
Thank you for that.
Hey Natalie, thanks for sharing. This is an important topic that does not get discussed enough. Many Pastors and Ministry Leaders develop care giver type stress. I think it’s healthier for ministry leaders to develop a few friendships outside of the direct ministry environment. Trust is the needed ingredient.
Absolutely agree! I wrote about that topic under “What I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Pastor’s Wife” as these outside of ministry friendships have truly been a saving grace in so many instances! Thanks for reading! 😀
“ There are occasions when I think I am heading into what is supposed to be a fun, lighthearted time with friends, but it turns into a venting/meeting/counseling situation.” Yes! Of course, in a sense these kinds of conversations are “part of the job” as long as we know the conversation we’re having. But it’s so good to have those safe friends and time to unwind and relax with them.
One thousand percent! I think it's more difficult when it feels like you are truly blindsided thinking "I really thought we were just going bowling and going to eat french fries" but it goes completely LEFT! 😆
This is such a heartfelt reminder—pastors need support, too, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply be present and trustworthy.