Articles to Encourage, Enable & Enrich
Here are a set of articles that we hope will be helpful. If you have an article that you have read or have written that you think would be helpful to other minister's wives please forward it to us.
LemonadeBy Shalonda Dulin
Central Pointe Church of Christ, Dallas, TX 
Lemonade, one of the world’s favorite drinks. Whether you enjoy it sweet, tart, or infused with a different flavor, it’s great! We all know the popular saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This thought provoking quote encourages us to make the most of our challenging situations. As minister’s wives we all know about the bitterness that life can seem to bring from time to time. We know about the unrealistic expectations, stereotypes, and witnessing the hurt of our husbands from the sideline. But thank God for the sweetness of his word! We are thankful that we not defined by our situations. We are thankful that we do not look like what we have been through. How do we step beyond the footsteps of pain and build a new story? A story where we can empower other women and glorify God at the same time. We can do this by creating a new story. Take all of your pain, bitterness, resentment and guilt and give those burdens to God. Allow HIM to transform you into the woman that you were called to be. Use the lemons that life has thrown you to help another sister through her storm. We underestimate the power of prayer and the gift of friendship. It’s so great to know that we are not going through this journey alone. Having the support of our sisters can allow the burden to seem less. Psalms 46:1 states that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. “ Sisters let us look to HIM as we follow, as we lead, and as we minister to others. We are set apart, we are different, and we are creative. When life throws us lemons forget making lemonade, make whatever recipe that you want! Let's TalkBy Yurellyn Elpheage
Los Angeles CA There are times in our lives when we should take a self evaluation of our walk with Christ. We can go through life just going through the motions. Are we doing all we can to please Christ? As we get older we should mature spiritually. (1 Peter 2:2) This growth should be expected from all who obey the gospel of Christ. Just because we are a minister’s wife we don’t get any special privileges to get into heaven. It is important that we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
Reflecting back on my journey being a minister’s wife, thus far, it’s been rewarding. The reward for me is that it helps me focus more on my Christian walk. It keeps me on my knees in prayer. (1Thess 5:17) The reality of this is you encounter ups and downs, but you don’t let it get you down. Sadly enough you find out how mean and insensitive members of the church can be. But you stay in prayer and hope for change. In order to overcome these obstacles giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. (1 Peter 1:5-8) Being married to a minister carries with it a great responsibility whether we like it or not. I knew I was marrying someone who wanted to preach and be a minister of a congregation. What I didn’t know was what my role would be. I discovered the things I now do are the things I did before I got married; being involved in activities/ministries in the church. What is the main area of responsibility for any wife (whether minister’s wife or not)?
It has been my observation that members have their own ideas of what a minister’s wife responsibilities should be. Because of these expectations we can stretch ourselves into a number of roles at the same time. Most wives have to work to provide insurance for the family and help with expenses, take care of home and support their husband. We want our own identity, career and accomplishments. You can have your hand in more activities/ministries in the church than is really necessary. You know what your talent and abilities are and you should be able to pick and choose what activities in the church you can work in diligently. Let us not put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. Learn that “every good work is to His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.” (Heb 13:21) Our commitment should be done for God’s glory, not man’s approval. 1 Pet 4:11(b) Are we doing all we can to please Christ? Are we growing spiritually in Christ? This growth should be expected from all who obey the gospel of Christ. Just because we are minister’s wives we don’t get any special privileges. It is important that we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) Let us not be caught up in the title, but let us focus on Christ, His church and our family! Conflict in Ministry
Why can't we all "just get along"? Well, in short, because we're human. We're sinners. We can simply blame Adam & Eve, or we can follow Christ's example within that relationship. All relationships with any depth will experience some level of conflict.
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Relationships we don't even acknowledge can experience conflict. It's all part of living in a fallen world. The good news is that we can look at Christ's life on earth and see that even He was subject to problems in relationships.
Having been a minister’s wife for more than 20 years, even though I have always purposely strived for peace in all relationships, I have learned that not only are some conflicts in life are inevitable, there can be some that are completely out of our control. Scripture tells us that peace with others is not always in our complete control, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 (italics mine)
Recently, a conflict came to light that caused me to take a hard look at the topic of conflict and living peacefully with other believers. This particular conflict was so complex as to cause me year-long reflection on Biblical peacemaking. When faced with a fellow believer's intense anger and intolerance towards me, I sought Christ for a deeper understanding of peace, forgiveness, confession and reconciliation. In short, as a follower of Christ, how should I respond when treated badly?
Some verses to encourage you while dealing with conflict
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19
The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Gal. 6:1
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30
Having been a minister’s wife for more than 20 years, even though I have always purposely strived for peace in all relationships, I have learned that not only are some conflicts in life are inevitable, there can be some that are completely out of our control. Scripture tells us that peace with others is not always in our complete control, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 (italics mine)
Recently, a conflict came to light that caused me to take a hard look at the topic of conflict and living peacefully with other believers. This particular conflict was so complex as to cause me year-long reflection on Biblical peacemaking. When faced with a fellow believer's intense anger and intolerance towards me, I sought Christ for a deeper understanding of peace, forgiveness, confession and reconciliation. In short, as a follower of Christ, how should I respond when treated badly?
Some verses to encourage you while dealing with conflict
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19
The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Gal. 6:1
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30