Yokemates

As I knelt down to layer the towels needed at the edge of the baptismal pool, I heard these words playing over the sanctuary sound system - "In all I do, I honor you."  (Wow. I wasn't expecting that this morning, God.)  I was just doing my 'Martha' duty and had a 'Mary' moment. How cool is that! In that brief moment, my outlook for the whole day changed. I went from having a good attitude – no problems to speak of, just a normal Sunday morning – to having a God-honoring attitude. Instead of just doing what needed to be done, I was awakened to the opportunity before me. I chose to honor God, no matter how menial the task. Yes, towels needed to be put down to soak up any excess water. But, more importantly, towels needed to be put down – to honor Jesus! I’d like to think that I live my life in the attitude of the song that was playing that morning - ‘You Are My King’ by Chris Tomlin. But, I need to rethink that. Oh, I have my good days an...

It’s that time of year again when the grass grows, the rains come and the sun shines down. Then, the cycle begins again. Green grass. Wet grass. High grass. All summer long, the cycle continues in many places and it is not unlike its indoor counterparts – laundry and dishes. Clean. Dirty. Clean. Dirty. Round and round we go! While we know that the pastor’s family is just like any other family who needs to mow their lawn, clean their clothes and wash their dishes, some in our churches don’t ever see us doing ‘normal’ daily activities. No wonder we can sometimes be given an elevated status in some people’s eyes. Assumptions are made, and we end up being viewed as some type of ‘heavenly royalty.’ One fun memory that uncovered this disconnect from reality happened a few years ago. My hubby was sweating away in 90 degree heat while mowing our lawn. As he dutifully directed the mower first one way and then the other, he took notice of a car that passed by. He raised his hand in a f...

In the current generation, it is rare for the church family to assume that when they hire a pastor they are getting a “twofer” – as in two for the price of one. In many interview situations, the wise pastoral candidate communicates clearly that “If you choose to offer me the position, you will only be hiring me." Gently setting the ground rules is a healthy way to eliminate unintentional disappointment or conflict when any unwritten expectations are not met. When both the church leadership and the church family are able to embrace their pastor’s wife as a fellow team member the pressure to perform is greatly lessened. Whether a volunteer, or an actual employee of the church, every pastor’s wife has a variety of unique dimensions within her world. Last week we looked at five different perspectives unique to the pastor’s wife. They were – 1. Ministry - God has given you talents and spiritual gifts to be used for His glory! 2. Distinction - Focus on helping to carry the l...

Quite often the pastor is the only individual in a family who is actually – and officially - employed by the church. About the time I married my pastor, 30+ years ago, there was a tremendous shift happening in what was automatically expected of the pastor’s wife. Long gone (for most) are the days when a church family welcomed you and assumed you’d be the new pianist, children’s ministry leader and serve as the hostess for all events held on the church grounds and off site.  When both the church leadership and the church family are able to embrace their pastor’s wife as a fellow team member the pressure to perform is greatly lessened.  Even in the more rare situations when a pastor’s wife (or their adult children) is employed by the church, a healthy understanding of authority and expectations is invaluable. Learning and living within healthy boundaries is vital to sanity and success as the demands of life and ministry ebb and flow.  Whether a volunteer, or an actu...