Written By: Rachel Shaw
My husband has been a youth pastor for about 2 months now… so you could say I don’t know much about being a pastor’s wife just yet. God has divinely led our family to the city of Chatham in Southwestern Ontario for the next season in our lives. We went through a series of interviews with the lead and associate pastors, as well as the board before Aryn was hired. Something that stood out to me about the pastors and board was that they didn’t have many expectations of me. They clearly stated that they are simply hiring Aryn for the role of the youth pastor position and in no way should I ever feel pressured to take on the work that is assigned to Aryn.
This spoke to me and was of great confirmation because I know many pastors’ wives that get pulled into the role of husband’s position and I was nervous that was going to happen to me. Don’t get me wrong… Aryn and I work as a team and I will stand behind him and encourage him as he begins this journey as a pastor, but I love that I am not expected to take on some or any of the responsibility of his job.
“My wife’s role in the church is not to lead women’s ministry (unless she wants) or children’s ministry (unless she wants) or serve on a committee (even if she wants). Her role in the church is to be a worshipper of Jesus, a faithful church member, to serve where she wants (except committees) and be my wife.” –Scott Thomas (Pastor, Journey Church)
I love coming and helping out at the youth group and getting to know/mentor the youth there. I will serve the church and God’s people just as he has called each of us.
God has led our family to this church, which I absolutely adore. I love that they specifically outlined that my job is just to support Aryn and that there are no expectations of me to take on any responsibility of fulfilling his role.
At the time that Aryn was hired, we found out that I was pregnant! My job is to be a good wife for my husband and take care of this little one growing inside of me. I have begun to take it easy and cut back on my work load to be sure that I am getting the proper nutrition and rest that I need to care for this baby. I know that God has called me to great things and I love my position of being a wife!
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:11
~Rachel
About Rachel:
Rachel is a Child and Youth Worker and works with individuals with disabilities. Her husband Aryn is a Youth Pastor in the great city of Chatham. They are expecting their first child– coming September 2016. She loves long walks on the beach and warm brownies.
Uniquely Yours Ministries 