From One Ministry Wife to Another: Honest Conversations about Ministry Connections

by Susie Hawkins

Overview

When a church hires a new minister, they are really hiring both him and his wife.  Many women entering this role for the first time have never considered what it means to be a minister's wife and consequently suffer stress, chaos, and confusion.  In order to thrive, she needs a solid understanding of the biblical teaching on her role and how to best serve her husband as he fulfills his role.

Susie Hawkins brings thirty years of experience as a minister's wife coupled with her role as the mother of two ministry wives.  By focusing on key relationships and responsibilities in relation to the church and home, Susie guides young women to a greater understanding of how to serve God faithfully as the wife of a minister.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575673424
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	05/20/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Susie Hawkins lives in Dallas and has been actively involved in women’s ministry as a pastor’s wife, teacher and volunteer. She has also served as the Director of Women’s Ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. She has taught a weekly Bible study for business women in downtown Dallas and speaks at women’s conferences and retreats. She is also a contributor to various publications, such as Voices Behind the Veil and the soon to be released “Women’s Evangelical Library Commentary.” Susie has an MA in Christian Leadership from Criswell College as well as an MA in Theology. She is married to O. S. Hawkins, president of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention (formerly the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention) and is the mother of two married daughters, Wendy and Holly, as well as a grandmother of five. Her favorite things to do are bargain hunting, lunching with friends and playing with her grandchildren!08/08

Read an Excerpt

From One Ministry Wife to Another

Honest Conversations About Ministry Connections

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By Susie Hawkins, Dana Wilkerson

Moody Publishers

Copyright © 2009 Susie Hawkins
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-57567-342-4

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CHAPTER 1

The Historical Connection: Blame It on Katie!

Life is about relationships." If I have heard my husband say that once, I've heard it a million times. Over the course of our lives, this truism has been proven time and time again. We married in 1970, when my husband served as minister to students at the Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. (Basically that meant that our dating excursions were primarily to seventh grade boys' go-kart races and middle school retreats.) We then moved on to pastor in Oklahoma and Florida, eventually returning to Texas. Of our years together, twenty-five have been in the pastorate.

Over the years I have noticed something that always occurs when we see someone from one of our former churches. Rarely does anyone ever say to my husband, "I remember your fabulous sermons!" (much to his dismay). And in my case, no one yet has said, "I remember those fabulous dinner parties you gave!" Instead, the conversation always goes like this: "I remember the day you buried my mom," or "I remember when my husband had his heart attack and I looked up in the ER, and there you were," or "I remember when you prayed with me at the altar when my grandbaby was so sick," or "You baptized me and I have never forgotten it," or "You led me to Christ on the beach during spring break." Over and over, we hear (as do many of you) how God used our pitiful attempts at ministry to bring comfort and healing to our congregations. And it is always in the context of a personal connection, the relationship of not only pastor to people, but child of God to child of God.

Our culture cries out for authentic relationships. With the impersonal nature of most communication these days, such as text messaging and e-mailing, the dynamics of genuine relationships are sadly lacking. This is never more important than in the body of Christ, especially in ministry. "It's a bridge called 'relationship' that leads to a land called 'trust.'"

In the context of ministry, it appears to me that a new model for ministry wives has emerged over the last decade. This new model is based on the reality of life as it truly is in the ministry world today. We may not like it or approve of it, but "it is what it is." With the explosion of new church plants filled with people of non-Christian backgrounds and experiences, the traditional expectations of the minister and wife have conformed to the look of our twenty-first century culture. Whether this is good for the cause of Christ or detrimental to it is irrelevant here. My purpose is to identify some of these changes and explore how they currently relate to the life of the ministry wife. Kay Warren has made this observation: "I think pastors' wives today see themselves more as part of an active team. Instead of the husband ahead and the wife behind, I think they see themselves more as side by side."

It is important also to remember that these models are blurry and very general. There are many factors that make up a church's expectations of a minister and his wife, such as local culture, ethnic differences and practices, theological systems, geographical influences, and denominational traditions. Nevertheless, there are some commonalities that can be identified. In order to understand where we have been as ministry wives in the history of the church, it is helpful to see these models from the panorama of a historical perspective.

H. B. London and Neil Wiseman made this observation:

Through 2,000 years of Christian history, the role of the minister's mate has changed often, and it continues to change rapidly. Even in a single ten- or fifteen-year period, variations have often moved from caring companion to hearth keeper to resident sacrificer to spiritual sustainer to ministry partner to energetic helpmeet to institutional church leader to deputy pastor. But whatever direction the minister's wife's role tilts at any moment of human history, it always involves a position of trusted support for the work of ministry. And it is always an invaluable asset in the service of the kingdom.

The Ministry Wife in the New Testament

There is not a specific model for ministry wives in the New Testament, despite what many church members may think. No, playing the piano and directing vacation Bible school are not requirements found in the Bible for the preacher's wife. While there are many biblical examples of gifted and wise women, there is no specific description or requirements listed for the wife of a pastor, outside of a few distinguishing, although general, character traits. Some might suggest the stellar New Testament teaching team, Aquila and Priscilla, found in Acts 18. However, while the church met in their home and they actively taught the Word of God together, the Scripture does not specifically identify them in the role of pastor and wife.

In Paul's pastoral epistle to Timothy instructing him on church ministry, he lists the requirements for a pastor (1 Timothy 3:2–7), followed by similar traits to be exhibited in the life of a deacon (vv. 8–10). He then describes the wives of these leaders, listing characteristics which should be found in her: "Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things" (v. 11).

This is the closest thing we have to a list of requirements for the wife of a "bishop" or "overseer." It should be noted that these traits do not reflect giftedness, abilities, or responsibilities, but rather the Christian virtues of reverence, purity of speech, temperance, and faithfulness. Of course these qualities are desired in every Christian woman, not just the wives of ministers.

However, the fact that Paul mentions the Christian character and spiritual maturity of the wife in this passage indicates that her relationship to Christ is significant in how it relates to her husband's calling. This "good work," as Paul describes it in 1 Timothy 3:1, includes the spiritual commitment and character of the wife as she serves Christ and His church alongside her husband. We can conclude that there is not a detailed model for ministry wives in the New Testament, as there is for pastors and elders. The only definitive model is that of a Spirit-filled woman, seeking to follow Jesus with all her heart, developing Christlike characteristics, and walking in wisdom.

Ministry Wives in the Early Church

The image of the ministry wife in the early church is shadowy, at best. Most of the information on Christian women from this era relates to the martyrs or the desert ascetics, not pastors' wives. However, it would be logical to assume that pastors and their wives ministered together. Tertullian (155–222 CE), an early church theologian and apologist, beautifully described the married couple serving Christ together:

How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice ... both servants of the Master. Nothing divides them, either in flesh or spirit.... They pray together, they worship together, they fast together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another. Side by side they visit God's church and partake of God's banquet; side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations. To such as these [God] gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present.

We can conclude that a husband and wife serving together as partners in the gospel, in spiritual and marital unity, was not unusual in the early church. In fact, Tertullian praises this image and mutual commitment, using it as an example of Christ's presence in the world. The marriage union in a Christian context gave a strong witness for the cause of Christ in the early centuries of the church.

Celibacy for men and women devoted to ministry was practiced in various regions and encouraged by some church leadership with the beginning of the monastic movement around the beginning of the fourth century. Some chose this way of life, believing that celibacy was evidence of one's true separation from the world and physical desires. Others considered celibacy a spiritual gift or practice loosely based on 1 Corinthians 7. (That's one spiritual gift I have never heard anyone request.) While celibacy of the priesthood had been decreed for many years in various regions of the Western church, it wasn't until the twelfth century that ecclesiastical law was ratified, formally requiring celibacy of the clergy. Once the church began to rigidly enforce this doctrine, priests and monks were required to put their wives in convents or leave them. As a result, until the time of the sixteenth century, the small amount of information on women is primarily related to the medieval mystics and other women serving within the boundaries of the established church. But with the onset of the cataclysmic events of the Reformation, the picture of ministry wives began to take shape and become a great deal more interesting.

The Reformation Model

When Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Wittenburg Church in Germany, he had no idea that he was starting a monumental religious and cultural shift in Europe that would have aftershocks for years to come. His vehement objections to the corrupt practices of the Roman Catholic Church hit a nerve, and his writings spread like wildfire. One of Luther's many objections to church law and practice was the requirement of celibacy for the priesthood. Soon hundreds, if not thousands, of priests and monks were leaving their posts for areas in Europe that were not under strict Catholic domination. Even nuns in European convents were smuggling in Luther's material and reading it avidly. Earnestly believing in Luther's teachings, one such group, led by Katharina von Bora, escaped the convent at night by way of a cart carrying empty fish barrels.

These women landed literally on the doorstep of the church at Wittenburg, requesting to be married. Luther agreed to this proposal and matched each woman with one of his colleagues, since they also were former priests and monks. Finally, Katharina, who was quite stubborn and picky, proposed that Luther marry her, and after thinking it over, he agreed. The account of their vibrant relationship and deep love and respect for one another is one of the great stories of Christian history. The fascinating aspect of this story is that Katie, as Luther called her, and this motley group of women changed ministry in their culture. They literally and figuratively threw open the door of the parsonage and ministered not only to their husbands and families, but also to church members and the community.

These women did backbreaking labor. They birthed numerous children, tended gardens and livestock, took in widows and orphans, served hundreds of meals a week, ministered to the poor, educated their children, and also took part in lively theological conversations around the dinner table. Katie even brewed her own beer, although I don't recommend anyone trying that today. Having been trained in theology and being quite literate, these women and their offspring brought something to the office of the pastor that the church had not been seen for many years. "Luther's acceptance of children as the core of his rejuvenated life speaks for one of the Reformation's most dramatic shifts. Henceforth the pastor's home, replete with managerial wife and children underfoot, would offer a new model for Protestant couples throughout the world."

Perhaps it is Katie and the other Reformer wives who unintentionally filled in the picture of a ministry wife who not only can somehow manage to do everything on the home front, but is expected to do everything her church desires of her as well. I say, blame it on Katie!

Traditional/Modern Model

This model is one that has been common to most churches and communities for generations. I suggest that this model is performance-based and is usually what most churches expect and want (or think they want) from their pastor's wife.

This template largely consists of responsibilities or jobs that the church members want to see in the pastors' and staff members' wives, such as musical skills (playing the piano, singing solos), organizational skills (directing vacation Bible school or women's ministry events), or entertaining in the home. While this model works very well for women interested and gifted in these areas, it is difficult for those who are not.

When my husband and I moved to Hobart, Oklahoma, to serve at our first church, I was a bit apprehensive about meeting with the wives of the men on the search committee. However, it was very reassuring for this young, brand-new pastor's wife because they could not have been kinder or more thoughtful and gracious. However, I noticed that the first questions they asked me were, "Do you play the piano?" and "Do you sing?" My answer was "No, I'm so sorry, but I don't!" Some of you readers will identify with me when I tell you that the disappointment on their faces was very obvious. I so wished I could have said yes; however, it would have quickly become clear that while I truly wanted to please them, I had told them a monumental lie.

While most church members say they are happy for the pastor's wife to function as she prefers, the expectations nevertheless have usually been based on her social, public, or organizational skills. It appears that this model is built on the ability of the wife to do the jobs that are expected of her in the church, despite her own gifts or desires. And it should be noted that many of these expectations are unspoken ... unspoken, that is, until they are not met, in some cases. For an extroverted woman who enjoys people, hospitality, and administrative jobs, this model works well. However, for the more private woman these expectations can be dreadful. These skills may not come naturally to someone like her, and if so, they become a heavy burden to bear. It is the wise woman who works to develop expertise in these areas, yet for some it never comes easily.

On the flip side, the wonderful thing about churches that apply the traditional model is the respect, honor, and care that they usually have for the pastor and his family. one young wife told me that while she was enjoying their new church plant and the nontraditional setting, she missed the genuine care that she and her children received at their former Bible Belt, small town church. There is esteem for the ministry built into this traditional model that is sometimes missing in newer churches. I often told my children that despite some of the annoyances that come with being "PKs" (preacher's kids), they also had the benefit of being prayed for on a daily basis, due to the care and concern of our people. The traditional model has its drawbacks, but also its blessings.

The Contemporary Model

I do not propose this as a new model, but rather seek to describe what appears to have developed over the last decade in regard to the ministry wife. This pattern is based on the reality of contemporary church culture and is what younger ministry wives who are not in traditional churches are looking to model. New church plants and younger congregations are generally characterized by this generational shift in thinking. A most interesting detailed analysis regarding the distinctiveness of this generation can be found in The Younger Evangelicals by Robert E. Webber.

There are three words that seem to best describe newer or less traditional churches and what they are seeking to develop within their faith communities: authenticity, value, and relationships. Of course, these concepts overlap, but I do believe they best describe the contemporary model of ministry wives that has emerged.

Authenticity

This is a cliché for this generation—everyone wants "authenticity." What exactly does that mean? Synonyms for this word are genuineness, legitimacy, and validity. In "Christianese" this translates into "being real." The members of a church want to have a genuine relationship with their ministers and their wives—based on friendship, community, camaraderie, and common goals. While there are varying degrees of an authentic relationship, we can be sure that the expectations of this newer model are based on a ministry wife's transparency, common experiences, and honest conversations—all within the boundaries of what is appropriate, of course.

This authenticity works both ways. It is also what younger ministry wives are seeking for themselves. They may ask, "Can I serve my church in the area where I am truly gifted, not only where I am expected to serve?" A wife may be expected to teach a women's Bible study or organize church events on a regular basis, especially if the former pastor's wife served in that way (see traditional model). If this is where she is gifted and is something she enjoys, then it works well and everyone is happy. But what if that is not her spiritual gift or skill, much less her real interest? Perhaps her gift is in evangelism or prayer. Will the church give her the freedom to utilize her giftedness in the most effective way? This requires the church members' respect and cooperation as the minister's wife seeks to follow Jesus and use her gifts to strengthen the body of Christ.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from From One Ministry Wife to Another by Susie Hawkins, Dana Wilkerson. Copyright © 2009 Susie Hawkins. Excerpted by permission of Moody Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Part 1: The Connections
1. The Historical Connection: Blame it on Katie!
2. The Couple Connection: It Takes Two
3. The Children Connection: Raising Emotionally and Spiritually Healthy Children
4. The Friendship Connection: Sharing Your Life
5. The Church Connection: Relating to the Women in Your Church
6. The Personal Connection: Your Walk with God

Part 2: The Disconnects
7. The Disconnect of Criticism: Think What They Would Say if They Really Knew You!
8. The Disconnect of Pleasing People: "I'd Be Happy to Do It!"
9. The Disconnect of Bitterness: Pull It Up by the Root
10. The Disconnect of Failure: Failure Isn't Fatal, but It Sure Feels That Way
11. The Disconnect of Stress Fractures: Pressures That Stress Us

Part 3: The Reconnection
12. The Reconnection: Our Received Ministry

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Susie Hawkins has struck gold with her mining of biblical truth on how to stay balanced in our topsy-turvy, rag-tag journey called Christian ministry.  With this treasure in hand, no wife need lament, "I wish somebody had told me!"  God does not send us out as His ambassadors without clear-cut instructions.  Here is a seasoned veteran unearthing nuggets  that pave the way for staying fulfilled and on track.  Our call, our family, the people, the bloopers and the bad times - Susie serves up sensible, do-able and delightful solutions.
- Howard and Jeanne Hendricks, Distinguished Professor Chairman, Center for Christian Leadership Dallas Theological Seminary

Susie Hawkins loves the ministry, and her writing reflects her passion. A must read for those who have found themselves in the ever-changing role of the high call of ministry.
-Deb Graham, wife of Pastor Jack Graham, Prestonwood Baptist Church

Finally! A reference manual for ministry wives. This is not just another testimony of what it was like being the wife of a minister, but a tool for those of us who 'have been there and are still doing that' as well as those of you just getting started on this wonderful journey of ministry. Susie has great insight into today's world of ministering to our man, our children, and our church family while keeping a close relationship to the one we are most indebted, Our Lord and Savior. Serving Him alongside our husbands and being happy in the process is possible...read more and you'll find out how!
-Janet A. Hunt, wife of Pastor Johnny Hunt, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia

Susie Hawkins' book delivers what it promises. It reads as if one is having an honest conversation with this wise and winsome ministry wife. She is careful not to sugarcoat the disconnects but is also quick to point out the many joys of our high calling. Susie's theological training shines through as she enlightens her readers with interesting anecdotes from church history but especially as she skillfully applies biblical truth. She points us to Scripture at every turn! I highly recommend this much need and well organized book.
-Mary K. Mohler, wife of President Albert Mohler, Jr., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Susie Hawkins has used her compassionate commitment to woman-to-woman ministries to pen winsome wisdom and mentoring maxims for ministry wives. She works effectively and creatively from her own ministry experiences in a variety of venues to explore the 'connections' available for women who are often isolated and lonely because of the burdens they bear and the tasks they face. Hawkins does not shy away from dealing with the 'disconnects' in life, offering helpful and strategic ways to overcome these challenges and find 'reconnections' in the process. You will laugh and cry, reminisce and meditate, consider options and find answers! This book should not be reserved for women married to ministers. Any woman engaged in serving Christ will find encouragement and inspiration in these readable and edifying pages.
-Dorothy Patterson, wife of President Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, author, Where's Mom? and coeditor of Women's Evangelical Commentary

The call to be a ministry wife requires a special blend of gifts, emotions, patience, and leadership. It does not, however, come with a set of instructions or a self-guided 'how to' manual. That is why we must be willing to listen to those voices who can speak knowledge into our lives. Susie Hawkins is one of those voices. In these pages, Susie provides a fresh perspective spoken from experience. And she provides insights and wisdom for your life that will prove to be invaluable as your strive daily to fulfill your God-given, glorious calling as a ministry wife.
-Lisa Young, wife of Pastor Ed Young,Fellowship Church, author, The Creative Marriage and The Marriage Mirror

Finally, a book full of wise counsel for the ministry wife of the twenty-first century. Through current research, historical and biblical accounts, and heartwarming stories, Hawkins explores the ministry wife's varied connections—with her husband, children, friends, ministry family, herself, and above all, her Lord. She offers sound advice to help ministry wives avoid the pitfalls of criticism, people-pleasing, bitterness, failure and stress. Practical and positive, sometimes challenging conventional widsom, her book is a goldmine for the ministry wife who desires to honor and complement her husband's work while developing her own unique personhood. I will recommend this book to every ministry wife I encounter.
-Dr. Sue Edwards, Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Dallas Theological Seminary, author, Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry