Partners Assisting the Lords Servants

Article for the former "Bivocational Beacon" the National Newsletter for Bivocational Ministers,
more specifically, from the women's section, called:
"Meanwhile, Back at the Tent".

The Bivocational Pastors' Wife: What's My Role?
by: Ann Hall
Pleasant HiIl Baptist Church
Grand Ridge, Florida

Being a bivocational pastor's wife is an awesome responsibility....full of demands and frustrations! But life can have a sweet spirit when she is in tune with God, her husband. and his ministry. Probably ACCEPTANCE should be the number one priority.

The fact has been established that he was called of God and she should realize that since she is married to him, she is the minister's wife. It is just that simple! If she has accepted her position and has a strong commitment to God, then, more than likely, she will be committed to her husband as well.

Also, it is so important for the bivocational couple to have an effective SUPPORT SYSTEM A minister needs consistent encouragement and feedback-and-evaluation, especially from someone who loves and understands him...his wife. As a sounding board, he can talk out problems and ideas with her. Be available to him and be confidential to his trust. Whatever the secrets, let them die their natural deaths at home. If he confides in you, it means you are the stopgap. More than likely, he feels that his wife is his greatest earthly asset. Be sure he can count on you!

As the wife of a bivocational minister, I feel very strongly about involving myself in his work and being an encourager to him. Many of the wives of bivo ministers in the state of Florida had the same sentiments. Coming together and discussing how we could be supportive of our husbands and give each other support, we decided to organize a bivocational wives group. In August,1994, we were officially organized as Florida Baptist Bivocational Ministers' Wives Partnership. Our purpose for organizing was to develop a better understanding of the work and ministry of 'ministers'wives, to provide encouragement, support, fellowship, offer training opportunities, to encourage individual growth and development toward professional excellence, and to promote spiritual edification.

Those of us who are members of the Partnership are excited about being a part of God's work. Especially, do we feel that we are helping to support the cause of bivocational ministry in the state of Florida. If there are bivocational 'ministers' wives who are interested in organizing a state fellowship, you may contact:

Just as Abraham was "rich because of Sarah", so your husband is rich because of you!

Return To PALS Articles Menu