March is Pastor’s Wife Appreciation Month
One of the hardest working women in the church is usually the wife of the pastor. Not only will she be seen participating in events, activities, and small groups, but she may be active in your church in Sunday School, worship services, Women’s Bible Study, youth programs, choir, and more. Perhaps she just attends and participates, or maybe she is a teacher or leader.
Behind the scenes, the pastor’s wife plays a critical role in supporting your pastor. Being called into the ministry is a tough job, and a pastor can struggle with the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical demands. Most often, the one person the pastor can rely on the most is his wife. She supports him, encourages him, prays for him, and helps carry the load. She might be the sounding board for new ideas or the one who has to give the constructive criticism he doesn’t really want to hear. She shares his joys and blessings with exuberance and thanksgiving. She also shares in the fear, sadness, pain, frustration, and discouragement that Satan uses to bring him down. This is the side of the role of the pastor’s wife that is rarely seen by congregants.
This is her month! Celebrate her and thank her for the service she gives to the church, the pastor, and to the Lord. She is most likely very humble, so public fanfare may not be the best way to thank her. Usually, subtle and quite demonstrations of appreciation will go a long way and let her know you support and love her. Here are some ideas you and your church can do….
Card
Write a handwritten card that expresses your appreciation
Collect cards from the congregation
Gift
Give a basket of their favorite snacks
Give flowers
Give a gift card to a restaurant or coffee shop
Give a spa day voucher
Give an inspirational book
Give jewelry, such as a cross necklace
Give home decor, such as a throw blanket or scented candles
Give a recipe book of their favorite church member recipes
Practical help
Offer to help with childcare, housework, or meal preparation
Consider hiring a housecleaning or lawn care service
Recognize and support their hobbies, such as painting or outdoor activities
Other ideas
Host a dessert and coffee night in their honor
Film and share a video about them
Bless them with a "day of service"
Collect gift cards to pay for their groceries for a month
Gift your pastor’s wife with a paid registration to the WVBC Minister’s Wives’ Retreat later this month.
Do you have another idea for celebrating your pastor’s wife? Share it in the comments below!
