Letters to Pastors’ Wives: When Seminary Ends and Ministry Begins (ed. Catherine J. Stewart)

Description

Pastors’ wives encounter special challenges as well as special joys. These letters from the seasoned wives of seasoned pastors provide empathy, wise counsel, and encouragement on a wide range of topics.

Table of Contents

Part 1: The Piety of the Pastor’s Wife

1. Priorities: Putting First Things First (Catherine J. Stewart)
2. Personal Devotions: The Heart before the Actions (Margy Tripp)
3. Humility: The Only Way Up Is Down (Lynn Crotts)
4. Tongue and Thumb: Guarding the Ways We Communicate (Barbara Davis)

Part 2: Practical Counsel for Us All

5. Expectations: God-centered of Self-imposed (Donna Ascol)
6. Hospitality: Fellowship or Entertainment? (Shirley Rankin)
7. Friendships over the Long Haul: Our Need for Female Fellowship (Betty Jane Adams)
8. Respecting My Husband: The Foundational Principles (Noelle Wilkerson)
9. Sharing My Husband: With Whomever and Whenever (Joan Hamilton)
10. Handling Criticism: Two Approaches (Mary Beeke)
11. Conflict within the Church: Keeping Your Heart Pure (Sue Rowe)
12. Ministry Moms: Perspectives from a PK (Sarah Ascol)
13. Depression: A Dark Valley (Mary Somerville)
14. Loneliness and Bereavement Common to All, Unique to Some (Shannon Baugh Onnink)
15. The Lord’s Day: A Hard Day’s Rest (“Sissy” Floyd Pipa)

Part 3: Particular Circumstances

16. Habitual Sin in the Life of My Husband: Now What? (Janie Street)
17. Ministering in a Different Culture: Aliens and Strangers (Pamela Schweitzer)
18. Campus Ministry: Life at the Crossroads (Kathy Wilcke)

Editor

Catherine J. Stewart is a pastor’s wife and a graduate of Queens University in Belfast, where she originally studied theology. Originally from Northern Ireland, she and her husband, Neil, now live in Greensboro, North Carolina, with their six children. Neil pastors Christ Covenant Church (ARP) in Greensboro.

Endorsements

“This is the first book I have read addressing the full range of experiences in ministry life with the perspective that this is truly a life of privilege and blessing. The letters in this book are filled with wise and compassionate counsel…. When you have turned the last page, you will feel – as I did – that all [these women] are now dear friends.”

– Megan Hill, Blogger at SundayWomen.com; Contributor to Christianity Today‘s Her.meneutics

“An exceptional book written by seventeen different pastors’ wives and one pastor’s daughter. The letters are personal, warm, convicting, and engaging…. I highly recommend this book to all women and especially to pastors’ wives!”

– Martha Peace, Biblical Counselor; Author of The Excellent Wife

“What a privilege to glean wisdom from these women who have served faithfully in the church and in the home as pastors’ wives. I was challenged, encouraged, and refreshed by this insightful and helpful book.”

– Trisha DeYoung, wife of Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church (PCA), Matthews, North Carolina

“I believe this is now the standard text for seminary wives as well as those pastoral families – pastor and wife – who should set apart time to revisit the timeless themes.”

– Michael A. Milton, James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism, Erskine Theological Seminary; Author; Singer-songwriter