Husbands of Pastors Speak

Husbands share the following thoughts and issues facing them when their wives are the pastors:

• I find it difficult to understand my place in the role of pastor's husband.
   
• My job prospects, earning potential, and sense of accomplishment are greatly diminished because of the lack of career opportunities for me in the location God has called us to minister.
   
• My wife earns more than I do. This is difficult for me to accept and redefines my understanding of my role as the provider.
   
• My wife must deal with some very difficult situations and my understanding of myself as her protector causes me to want to shield her and try to carry those burdens.
   
• I feel the church and the community sees me differently. I sense a lack of recognition or affirmation.
   
• There are no resources or structured ways to help me connect with others for encouragement, affirmation, or to just talk.
   
• The church expects me to be willing and capable of doing maintenance, remodeling, and building repairs.
   
• The church views the role of the pastor's spouse through traditional eyes.
   
• I feel out of place at pastors and spouse events (i.e. retreats, district dinners, denominational meetings) especially when the wives have a separate event or meeting than the pastors.
   
• I feel a strong responsibility to house my family and the uncertainty of living in a parsonage and the possibility of homelessness is a concern.

-Compiled by Larry Morris, adult ministries director for Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International.

Holiness Today March/April 2010

Please note: This article was originally published in 2010. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.