A Clergy Spouse’s View

Perspective of Pastor’s Wife

Recently I mentioned to, Nancy Johnson, the spouse of a clergy friend that I was blogging about the health of clergy, particularly focused on clergy burnout and loneliness. She had recently read an article in Christianity Today (October 2014) about the decline in clergy health and she shared with me some thoughts stimulated by that article. I asked her permission to share with you how a pastor’s wife views the challenges of ministry.

RESPECT IN COMMUNITY

1. The “church” is no longer the respected institution it once was—perhaps as a result of sex scandals, secularization of society, our immense value on who makes the most money to name a few. Thus clergy feel unappreciated, lonely, perhaps even scorned or at least not given much credibility.

HIGH STRESS LITTLE PAY

2. Few others with so much post-college education are as poorly remunerated, necessitating two salaries per family. Completely different work schedules mean little time with loved ones, and very stressful living with kids.

TIME TO BREATHE

3. “Baring ones soul” week after week with little feedback necessitates HUGE input. Clergy would benefit by being taught to be nurtured by having significant quiet time and study for themselves. Learn to turn off the electric devices and constant demands for some time each day. No one can continually give without receiving.

SELF-RECRIMINATION

4. Accept the fact that one’s word will never be done each day. Learn to live abundantly by doing what is possible. Self-recrimination is destructive and saps energy.