I'm keeping this book handy to reread as necessary when I need encouragement as an elder's wife. Such a helpful, sympathetic book that points us all back to Christ! ( )

Ministry as the Pastor’s wife.

Another win from Gloria Furman. I got a copy of this book for myself and one for my friend who is also my pastors wife. I wanted to read it to gain some insight into the world of pastors-wife-ing but having read Gloria's other books, I knew there would be encouragement to be found for myself as well. The thing I love most about her writing is that it is centered around our need for Jesus, so although it may be written to moms, wives, etc, there is a deeper truth that applies to everyone. I loved that even starting out she prefaced saying this was not a how-to book, because she was not an expert, but that she was living and learning and in the process she has learned she needs to continually look to Jesus and be reminded of truth. I love that no matter the 'theme' of her books, I am always pushed to slow down and just be reminded of some core truths that breath life into my heart.

She breaks this book down in three sections: Loving the Chief Shepherd (how everything we do in ministry and life has to be rooted out of our relationship with Him), in this she touches on motives for ministry and how to detect and kill idols, as well as how to survive the heavy expectations and standards anyone who serves in ministry can find themselves under. Loving the Under Shepherd (how to serve your husband who is called into pastoral ministry), in this she did not give a play by play on how to be a good wife, but went over the hard gospel truth that because all of our needs are met in Christ, and because He is our sustaining strength, we are freed up to love and serve without fear of 'What about me?' I found many parallels here on how to love and serve the church. And lastly, Loving the Body (how to love and serve the church, people), in this she talks some about giftings and the willingness to serve in whatever ways He puts in front of us, regardless of how we uniquely feel like we are equipped.

Overall it is a great read and another one that I will be recommending. It is small and easy (because she is a mom, pastors wife, church planter, missionary, homeschooler and she gets it!) and would be a great gift to purchase and read along with any woman in ministry or trying to lead people in a spiritual context. ( )