Lorna Dobson knows firsthand the struggles and joys of being married to a pastor—and the questions, not the least of which is, “What is a ‘pastor's wife,’ anyway?” As her poll of hundreds of women reveals, the wife of a minister is rarely the piano-playing, committee-leading stereotype.With humor, disarming genuineness, personal stories, and wisdom rooted in Scripture, Dobson cuts through the labels. “How I live has little to do with whether my husband is a pastor; rather, my life reflects my growth, or lack of it, as a Christian.” In this revised edition of I’m More Than the Pastor’s Wife, she includes new perspectives as a grandparent, soon-to-be empty-nester, and speaker. Here are frontline insights on·Making friends and cultivating personal support outside the church·Learning to handle expectations and pressures·Balancing time and using your gifts·Supporting your husband and growing closer to him·Prioritizing prayer for your husband, family, and church·Knowing your capabilities and limits·Dealing with “problem people” and church conflicts . . . and much more!

Every pastor's wife is a faithful servant and leader in her own right. She has great influence on her church, her community, her family, and her husband, and she finds joy in seeing God move in the lives of others. Yet she also faces unique challenges that too often go unnoticed and unaddressed. At times, a pastor's wife may feel she can't talk about her struggles even with those who are closest to her, which can leave her feeling alone, depleted, and misunderstood. She may settle for this way of living, but that's not God's desire for her. Christine Hoover knows firsthand the unique struggles and opportunities afforded a pastor's wife--she's been filling that role for more than 20 years. Coming alongside as an understanding friend, she offers encouragement and guidance to the struggling pastor's wife, showing her how to make meaningful personal relationships with God, her husband, her children, her church community, and other women--relationships that will sustain her and help her thrive.

Ministry is hard. And every ministry wife needs—and deserves—encouragement. A woman marries a man, not his ministry. But all too often her husband's calling complicates their life together. What if ministry life isn't what she bargained for? What happens when her children make mistakes? How does she deal with church gossip, or even slander? As a pastor's wife of almost fifty years, Jani Ortlund addresses these questions, along with many others, as she offers encouragement and guidance to ministry wives. Jani reminds readers that God works out his delightfully good purposes in and through their sacrifices.

Books about the unique challenges that face pastors' wives have been written before, but this open and caring discussion is essential to understanding the subject in the church of the nineties.

Pastors' wives are in a privileged—yet often difficult—position. Various challenges make it is easy for ministry wives to feel discouraged about their relationship with God, lose their wonder at the mystery of the church, and forget the joy of serving alongside their husband. In this encouraging and humorous book, Gloria Furman offers pastors' wives a breath of fresh air, reminding readers that Christ stands ready to help regardless of the circumstance—whether it's late-night counseling sessions, unrealistic expectations about how they spend their time, or complaints about their husbands' preaching. Filled with life-giving truth from God's Word regarding the privilege of ministry in Christ's name, this book will help women joyfully treasure their Savior, serve their husbands, and love their churches.

Pastors' wives, and women in ministry leadership positions, are a very special group of ladies. Given incredible opportunities to fulfill their destiny, they make a great difference in the lives of many. They wear the multiple hats of their personal life, marriage, family life, and ministry life; yet try to keep everything in a healthy balance. Many of the stereotypical images and expectations of women in ministry are unrealistic, unfair, and unhealthy. As a wife, mother, and woman of God in a variety of ministry leadership positions for over 30 years, Karyl has broken the mold at times and at other times carried the full weight of the ministry load. Transparently telling her story of success and failures, blessings and burdens, and laughter and tears, in a way that relates to the real world of women in ministry; Karyl not only inspires and encourages women in ministry, but addresses many ministry challenges women face. Through her passion, she imparts practical wisdom to help fulfill their great destiny as wives, mothers, and ministers. KARYL GAEHRING is an international speaker at churches and conferences in many nations. Serving as Director of Development and Women in Ministry for Redemption Ministerial Fellowship International with her husband, Dr. Paul, who serves as President of the International Network of Ministers and Ministries, based out of Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville, S.C. Karyl and her husband have been married and in ministry together for over 30 years with two sons also serving in ministry. Karyl has been a pastor's wife, co-pastor, worship and intercession leader, speaker and author. She is a gifted professional musician and vocalist, who launched "VHM," a Christian Artist Training Studio, and "Club 7," a Christian music/drama entertainment and outreach center. She has a unique way of relating to pastors, women in ministry, and youth.