Passing the Torch #2 – My wife

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 3, 2010 in Uncategorized | 5 comments

A Minister’s Wife – Someone who can be at every church event, know every scripture (but never out does her husband), always ready with a pan of Lasagna for the latest member illness or death. Her feet walk worthy of the gospel to which her husband is called. Her parenting skills are unmatched in the congregation because her kids never do wrong. Her children never run, play jump or raise their voice, all because she is their mother. Her parenting skills are only matched by her organizational skills for ladies dinners, Ladies Days and countless other ladies events. To her husband, she is the pillar of support in the midst of a life of Christ.

While the above is a simple stereotype of what many people consider to be a minister’s wife, it is not. There are no set of characteristics or qualities that will match every minister. The pressures of ministry are harder than many other careers. Christians should know better but many times they push the limits on how they treat their fellow man and the minister’s wife is there to pick her husband up each time. A minister’s wife even enters the fray when a minister is seeking a job with a church. It is not just the minister begin interviewed, but his family as well. Special consideration is given to the minister’s wife, after all, she has much to do!

As John Dobbs began the encouragement to write a post regarding ministers that touched our lives, I could not help but think of my wife. I decided that I would write about her ministry in my life some point during the week, so here we go..

• Remember, the word “minister” simply means servant.

My Wife’s Ministry to Me

In 1997, Carrie and I married and we began our lifetime journey. Her constant support appeared even before a ring on her finger.

While I was a student of Freed-Hardeman, I was preaching at a few small congregations here and there along with working in the maintenance department, she was with me each step of the way. Preaching on Sundays plus working through the week, then with the addition of classes, made for a hectic schedule. Many times during those hectic times I felt the preparation for the Sunday sermon was not what it should have been. After preaching the lesson and driving home, her hand would reach to mine and with a gentle smile and nod she would tell me what she liked about the lesson.

Her constant encouragement has not held steady throughout the years…it has grown in power and love. Her hand still reaches over on the way home from Sunday services. Her smile still permeates the world and gives a comfort and peace to my soul. With her beside me I feel as though anything as possible. Her constant love of the Lord makes it possible.

Through the troubling times of ministry, she is there. Through the great times of ministry, she is there. Through the normal life of ministry, she is there. When others walk out, she never walks in…because she is always there, she never left! She just stands taller and prays harder!

The many accounts of her comfort and diligent support could go on for days, but I will leave you with a Proverb…

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
(Proverbs 31:29, ESV)

 

Just passing the torch,

Chris

 

Other Passing the Torch Posts:

• For an updated list, you can keep up with John Dobbs Passing the Torch Page found here.
• Doug Young wrote a post about his wife in the Passing the Torch Series. Check it out here!
• John Dobbs – Passing the Torch #1
• John Dobbs – Passing the Torch #2
• John Dobbs – Passing the Torch #3
• John Dobbs – Passing the Torch #4
• Brian Nicklaus
• Paula Harrington
• Trey Morgan
• Adam Faughn
• Scott McCown
• Bobby Ross
• Joe Palmer
• Nick Gill
• Lisa Bliss Leichner
• Tim Archer
• Keith Brenton
• Janice Garrison

 

A quick word about the “Passing the Torch” Series – This idea was brought about by John Dobbs, after the passing of Jack Exum Sr. The posts are not a doctrinal thesis, but a simple thank you to those men and women who have influences us throughout the years. If you have a blog, write a post thanking that special someone for their influence.