By Vickie Oliver

Having been a Preacher's wife for 26 years (and a wife for 35) I may look at my position a little differently than others. First let me say that no matter what, as a Preacher/

Elder's wife, we need to be a support system for our husbands. Our husbands need to know we are standing beside them. Oh, isn't that true of all Christian wives!

I didn't give up my identity when my husband decided to become a preacher and later an elder. I am still the same Christian woman I was long before that time. I'm still doing my best to serve my LORD. Don't count us as second-class citizens, and don't treat us as if we know nothing. We have knowledge of the scriptures, and we know our place and are very content to stay there. Don't condemn us just when we have a day that we are not wearing a smile because we have bad days also. Don't condemn us when we aren't the first one to call on you because we have kids to care for, laundry to do, and food to prepare just like you do.

My "job" is no different from the woman sitting at the other end of the pew except to allow my husband to go meet with you, sit with you, study with you and to share him if he knows how to do plumbing, electrical work, or computers. We don't mind sharing, but not at the expense of our own family.

Women are to be in subjection to their own husbands as taught in 1 Peter 3:1. That doesn't mean every member of the congregation. Women have work to do for the LORD. We don't need you making up "jobs" for us. Even the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 made sure her family was taken care of before she went to the community. (I'm still working on having her qualities.) We need to know what the LORD wants us to do and be happy to do it for HIM. That might mean there will be days that I won't be available, so why not call on another sister?

Don't expect something of me just because I am the preacher/elder's wife. Don't beat me down, and I will do my best to serve you. As preachers' wives, we love being able to work for the LORD and support our husband in HIS work. I am no different than you. I don't want to be treated any differently than the other women of the congregation. If we are all working together what a congregation we will have for the LORD.

If you find a job that the LORD has identified for the "Preacher's wife" to accomplish let me know and it will be done.

All Scripture is taken from the NKJ Version.  Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.