“You too?”
“You mean I’m not the only one?”
“I am actually safe to share my conflicted emotions, unspoken frustrations, and weird situations here and no one will gasp or clasp their pearls in horror???”
Ministry is wonderful. We get to stand in the gap between God and man and see what He will do to reach, love, and heal people. We witness miracles and glorious worship. We enjoy (sometimes) the beauty and comfort of the Body of Christ in action.
Ministry is hard. There are so many times when the pat answers don't fit. When we are desperate for a magic wand to remove the pain. When we love and serve people with all we have, only to have them turn and betray us. When we feel like we’re failing God. When our family is getting the short end of the stick because church takes all our time and energy.
Ministry is weird. We deal with things on a daily basis that the average person in the congregation would never believe. Truly wackadoodle sometimes. Unbelievable situations.
Ministry has no closure. We never, ever finish the day's work. People expect us to be available 24/7/365. We get phone calls during our vacations to report a member has just died, or to whine about the snack choices before Sunday School.
Ministry is lonely. Who can I talk with openly and honestly about what is happening in the church? Where can I safely unload my anger, heartache, struggles, and complaints without damaging others? How can I pour out my heart before the Lord? How do I find healthy, reciprocal, encouraging friendships?
Ministry is hilarious. God has quite a sense of humor. And we get a front row seat to some of the funniest situations in the world. We won’t make it if we can’t laugh.
“Friendship arises out of mere Companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression of opening Friendship would be something like, "What? You too? I thought I was the only one." (C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)
We need one another. Life is too complicated to handle on your own. How can you keep your soul, your marriage, your children, your health, and your sanity from becoming collateral damage of the ministry?
Psalm One Soul Care Retreats. We love these getaways! Register NOW to get away for a fun, relaxed, rebooting weekend with genuine friends who truly understand life in the fishbowl. You may think you can’t afford to take 48 hours to care for your soul. In reality, you can’t afford not to. Space is limited. Come away to fill your tanks. Come away to tend your weary soul. Come away to rest in the love of Jesus. Come away to LAUGH!
§ Cincinnati, Ohio—January 30 to February 1 (Early Bird Rate ends January 16)
§ Green Lake, Wisconsin—April 10-12
“What would I say to encourage another pastor’s wife to join us for a gathering? GO. Quit looking for the perfect thing that your husband, your kids, or your denomination would “approve of”. Quit waiting for “the right time” when nobody needs you…that will NEVER happen. If you’re in a tough time at church, I’m sure you’re thinking “I can’t leave my husband to face this alone on a Sunday.” He is not alone – God has promised to always be with each of us. Sometimes a wife to lean on can conceal the need for God to meet your husband and display His power. It is not selfish to go – if you’re all hung up on this, remind yourself that you can serve those you love in a fresher way after time alone with the Father. He will speak to you directly, and also through the comfort of other women who understand your life like NO OTHER HUMAN BEING can."
Questions? Hesitations? Available spots? Call Linda at 513-226-0025. For more information and to register: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives
Once a year is not enough. Where you live in downtown Manhattan or the middle of nowhere, you can join us once a week! Come meet with the Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time for laughter, prayer, encouragement, shared wisdom, and a supportive community of women who know life in the ministry. You are always welcome, whether you drop in from time to time or able to be there every week. Sign up to stay in the loop with links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives
Could you or your husband (or both) use a reboot? Sometime to pull away from the muchness and manyness to focus on Jesus without interruptions? Men and women are invited to join us for the Refocus and Refuel Retreat. We would love to have you with us for this restful getaway March 27-29 in Cincinnati. Especially helpful and restful for pastors and missionaries to be recharged without any expectations on your platter! Come along for this drink of cool water. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
We need each other. Don't try to do this alone.
Much love, Linda