In case you didn’t know, I’ve been a pastor’s wife almost my entire marriage. When Isaac and I met he was in school for ministry, and we never changed course. We got married while Isaac was still taking classes, and he worked part time at a church. It was actually a church plant, and for several reasons it was such a sweet season of our lives. We look back and laugh and smile and celebrate all the firsts that we had during that season. Less than two years into our marriage Isaac accepted his first full time position at a church and we jumped into the deep end of ministry.
My journey as a pastor’s wife has had many twists and turns, as I now know is pretty normal. There were so many parts that I wasn’t expecting, wasn’t excited about, and wasn’t prepared for. I have a lot of thoughts about all of this, and I’m praying about what God would have for me in this area. I’d love your prayers specifically about what coaching in this area would look like for me!
For now, I created a PDF guide for the pastors’ wives in your life. I would guess most of you aren’t married to a pastor, but you most likely know someone who is. I created a guide for them, those sisters that fill the unique and beautiful role of being married to the pastors. It can be a tricky role to fill, with lots of expectations and responsibilities. Both from others and from ourselves. I wanted these precious women to remember that even in the middle of one of the busiest seasons of the church calendar, they are beloved daughters of God first and most importantly. Their identity is not wrapped up in their role or performance or capacity at the church. Their calling is unique and special and a gift from God, even when it’s hard to navigate and juggle. Sometimes juggling our own hurts and struggles while ministering to the hurts and struggles of others.
If you are married to a pastor, I’d love to pray for you specifically by name this weekend. Reply to this email and I will pray for you!
If you aren’t 🙂 I bet you know someone who is! I’d love it if you forwarded her this email. Maybe tell her how thankful you are for her ministry in your church and for her as a woman of God. Send her a little encouragement and tell her about this guide. I would imagine it will be a welcome and unexpected blessing in her life!
Identity and Calling for All of Us
| Identity and calling isn’t tricky just for women married to pastors. We all struggle at times to identify ourselves by what God says, how God defines our identity. I have struggled so much with this in my adult lifetime. I’ve tried to figure out who I am and what my style is and how someone like me would react in certain situations. The past few years I have grown so much confidence as I lean into who God has created me to be. There is freedom and peace for every season of life and every season has specific calling and purpose.If this is something you struggle with, don’t struggle alone! Don’t keep wrestling through, trying to figure it out and blindly moving forward. Let’s work together and find freedom and peace right where you’re at. We invest in so many parts of our lives: our hair, our food, our cars and homes. Why would our spiritual and emotional health be any different? You are worth investing in, let’s make a move together! Send me a message and let’s get started on walking in freedom and confidence. |
As always, I’d love to hear from you. How I can be praying for you this week, your thoughts on stepping forward without pressure, shame, or expectation on yourself. Any questions you have regarding coaching or speaking, send me a message at: abigaildentoncoaching@gmail.com and let me know! Also, if you’re a pastor’s wife and want prayer, I’d love to pray for you by name this weekend as we celebrate the foundation of our faith: the resurrection of Jesus!
If you haven’t already, I’d be honored to send you my newsletter. I send out a couple each month and they are filled with encouragement, resources, and reflections. Join below!
Abigail Denton 