Tragic headlines this week about a Tennessee pastor and his wife are a sobering reminder of why I do what I do.
We don’t know the details. But we know that there was pain in this home.
We must never assume that we know what is happening behind closed doors in anyone’s home. While some families are healthier than others, everyone struggles with various issues—financial strain, marital difficulties, issues with children, a hectic schedule, depression, conflicting priorities…both severe and everyday problems.
But for some ministry families, there are few safe outlets to share openly and find total freedom to be themselves, in genuine friendship and confidential support. There can be particular hurdles:
 | Life in a fishbowl—some clergy live under scrutiny, with others offering opinions on each choice, each child, even each outfit |
| Confidentiality—some women have shared with a trusted friend, only to have their private struggles spread around the church or around the town. |
| Unrealistic expectations—real or imagined—from the church, from themselves |
| An increasingly divided life—people can become one person at church and one person at home |
| Spiritual battle—how many jobs include calling out the forces of hell against you? |
In Psalm One, I center on Biblical teaching and spiritual formation for men and women around the world. But we also reach out to some wonderful pastors’ wives in small, low key gatherings as well as speaking and consulting in larger settings. We seek to provide a fun, safe, encouraging, confidential setting where ministry wives can enjoy some great fellowship, share a little laughter and focus on three aspects of soul care:
| Refreshing the soul--finding ways to keep your spirit and personality encouraged and uplifted. |
| Reconnecting with God--truly enjoying Him and drawing on the Lord as your friend, source |
| Resourcing--connections, articles, events, other support. I am part of the Caregivers’ Forum (http://www.caregiversforum.org), which ministers to those in ministry, and we pool resources that could be a lifesaver. |
There is no such thing as a typical pastor’s wife—just as there is no such thing as a typical human being! I know so many pastors’ wives who are in a great situation and feel incredibly blessed. I know others who are barely hanging on by a thread. She may feel forgotten, judged, pressured or conflicted. Or she may experience tremendous freedom, support and love in her current setting.
Psalm One Pastors’ Wives Gatherings and some other off-site speaking I do are aimed to provide encouragement and connections under blue skies as well as gray. The ripple effect ministers to the entire body of Christ.
How can you help?
1) Invite!
We currently have Pastors’ Wives Gatherings in the Cincinnati and Chicago areas, with a few events and connections in other cities. I have an email invitation list for these two regions, and another for women around the country and even around the world. Through these, I send invitations, articles and other resources.
Pastors’ wives are included only from direct requests and personal invitations. If you have not given me contact information for pastors’ wives you know, chances are they have not been included. Information is not sent care of churches or husbands. All invitations are sent to the woman’s name at the woman’s email address. Know some wonderful wives who might enjoy gathering with others who understand what ministry life is like? Direct her to http://www.psalmone.org and (with her permission!) send me her contact info—be sure to include her email address. Are you one of those fabulous ministry wives who is not in the loop yet? Join us!
2) Pray!
Pray for our Pastors’ Wives’ Retreat in Northern Illinois April 2-5. What a wonderful time this will be! Pray that God would speak powerfully to us straight from His heart, giving us what each of us really need from Him. Pray for HIS clarity, wisdom, words and strength as I prepare to lead.
Pray for healthy connections and friendships for pastors and spouses. Continue to pray for all those in ministry—we need you to lift us up.
3) Give!
We make every effort to make ministry to pastors’ wives available either inexpensive or free. But as you might guess, it costs quite a bit to do this work. If you would like to help with this vital kindness, send a check to: Psalm One Ministries, 6344 Inverness Way, Mason, OH 45040-2053. (Psalm One Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are supported through the giving of individuals and churches who believe in the work we are doing. All contributions are tax deductible.)
4) Consider!
How might God use you to love these precious servants?
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. (Hebrews 6:10)
May the Lord use us to love and encourage one another, no matter who we are and where we find ourselves!
For Him,
Linda