People vary in their opinions of what a Pastor’s wife should and should not do in the church. Many people feel that she should be heavily involved in the women’s ministries in the church. Some go so far as to expect her to coordinate the nursery, the kitchen and the mission’s closet.
I, however, have a different view of the role of the Pastor’s wife. I believe it is unfair for church members to have their own job description for the Pastor’s wife for several reasons:
1. The Pastor’s wife is not an employee of the church. Though she may be a wonderful, active servant of the church, she has not signed a job description or submitted her social security number to the deacon board. Granted, the Pastoral office is a servant role, but that does not mean that both the Pastor and his wife should work full-time in the church and that she should do so for free. To expect this is to take advantage of the servants of God.
2. Mrs. Pastor has her own life. I whole-heartedly believe that the wife of the Pastor needs to be 100% dedicated to serving God and living a holy life. However, she is still a person with her own needs and interests. Many a Pastor’s wife is also a homeschooling mother. It is unfair to expect her to shoulder a large burden in the church simply because of who her husband is.
3. Placing duties on the Pastor’s wife can become an excuse for laxness in the church. Why should women volunteer for the nursery, prepare a ladies’ Bible study, play the piano or teach a children’s Sunday school class if the Pastor’s wife is expected to take it all?
4. The Pastor may desire his wife to have a limited role in the church. Some Pastors want to protect their wives from gossiping tongues and backbiting by limiting her role in the church. The more responsibility she takes upon herself, the more likely she will draw criticism regarding her efforts.
The Pastor’s wife has an important ministry. She should be free to be involved in several capacities within the church. However, the church body should not place requirements or personal expectations on this woman. She is an individual with many personal responsibilities to her home and husband.
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