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.
“This book is a breath of fresh air, not because it’s personal
(which it is), or because it’s practical (which it is), but because
it is profoundly biblical. We found Gloria’s Scripture-saturated
counsel to be eminently realistic and deeply encouraging. Her wit
and wisdom will be good for the pastor and good for the pastor’s
wife, which is good news for those in ministry and good news for
the church.”
—Kevin and Trisha DeYoung, Senior Pastor,
University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan. Kevin and
Trisha have been married for 12 years and have six children.
“Pastor’s wives are deep in the trenches of gospel work. We need
biblical truths that meet us there and help us joyfully persevere.
Gloria Furman has given us a rich, gospel-saturated resource,
drawing our eyes away from any prescribed role and setting them on
the one who really does the work.”
—Christine Hoover, author, Messy Beautiful
Friendship and Searching for Spring
“Make no mistake: your role as a pastor’s wife is essential.
Gloria reminds us all to first and foremost drink deeply from the
living water of Jesus as we endeavor to humbly fulfill our calling
to love our husbands and the body of Christ to whom we have been
called.”
—Jennifer Carter, wife of Matt Carter, Pastor of
Preaching, Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas
“Gloria Furman has given the church a much-needed gift by
addressing a group that is often neglected—the wives of pastors.
With the power of the gospel, the clarity of Scripture, and
personal insight, Gloria helps pastor’s wives to first draw near to
Jesus as their greatest need and satisfaction, then to love and
support their husbands, and finally to find a healthy place in the
local church.”
—Joe and Jen
Thorn, author, Experiencing the Trinity
and Note to Self; Lead Pastor, Redeemer Fellowship, St.
Charles, Illinois; and his wife, Jen, blogger, jenthorn.com
“This book reminded me that when I’m weary, Christ’s strength
sustains me; when I’m tempted to cave in to expectations, I’m free
to love and please Christ above all. Whether you’re a pastor’s wife
or military wife or door sweeper’s wife, this book will encourage
you to plumb the riches of God’s grace to you in Christ.”
—Kristie Anyabwile, wife and mom; editor, His
Testimonies, My Heritage
“Minister’s wives lead unique lives with a unique set of
challenges. Gloria does a beautiful job of reminding us that our
identity is in Christ and his redemptive blood, not in the way we
serve or how much we do for Christ. I felt encouraged and
spurred on in my walk with the Lord to look upward to Christ and
not at my outward circumstances. This is a very helpful book for
minister’s wives anywhere at any stage of life.”
—Heather Platt, mother of four; wife of David
Platt, President, International Mission Board
“The pastor’s wife bears unusual responsibility. Though the
Bible is completely silent about her role, churches tend to load
her with unfair and unrealistic expectation. Gloria Furman brings
both sense and hope, showing from the Bible what God does and does
not expect from her. And because she looks constantly to the Bible,
this is a book that transcends both time and culture. I happily
commend this book to pastors, their wives, and their
churches.”
—Tim Challies, blogger, Challies.com
“Gloria Furman gives practical and godly advice to those who are
already serving as a pastor’s wife as well as those who are just
starting out. Many pastors’ wives feel the pressure to be a person
they are not, wanting to be liked by everyone, or struggling with
the juggle of family life and service. Gloria draws us to Scripture
and back to our first love. The Pastor’s Wife will help
you avoid pitfalls and inspire you to stay close to Jesus and to
find your strength in him. It reminded me of all I value about
being a pastor’s wife.”
—Carrie Vibert, wife of Simon Vibert, Vice
Principal and Director, The School of Preaching at Wycliffe Hall,
Oxford
Gloria Furman (MACE, Dallas Theological Seminary) lives in the Middle East where her husband, Dave, serves as the pastor of Redeemer Church of Dubai. She is the author of many books, including Labor with Hope; Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full; and Glimpses of Grace.