Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry
By Kellye Carmack
We are here to serve pastor’s wives.
There is often ambiguity around the role of the ministry wife. Members want her to meet a list of expectations, some of which are held in silent judgement, others are voiced in harsh condemnation. Her skills may be weighed against those of the previous pastor’s wife. Can she play the piano? Lead the children’s ministry? Is her home open every week for women to fellowship over coffee? Maybe her gifts don’t line up with what the congregation wants from her.
The pastor’s wife also carries much of the weight that is on her husband. When he is attacked or criticized, she feels the impact of those blows and she is often wounded in the process. When she stepped into ministry with her husband, she was eager to serve and build God’s kingdom, but now the pressure is mounting, and she feels confused and disillusioned.
We are here to serve women in ministry
There are a growing number of women in ministry roles. Gifted female leaders and teachers are blessing the church with their gifts and wisdom. The single woman who has moved across the world to share the gospel is challenging the church with her courage. The woman leading worship has set aside her own career goals to serve the church. The Christian writer who wakes up hours before her family to labor over words and paragraphs she hopes will help others understand Scripture with greater clarity.
If you are a ministry wife or a woman in ministry, we are here to serve you. At Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry, we want to help as you navigate the challenges of leadership in the church. We know it can be difficult, even impossible, to find someone in your community to talk to about your struggles. We want to listen to you. Our ministry offers free mentoring and affordable counseling. Both can be done via video calls or in person if you are local. We also provide resources through our blog that will equip and encourage you in ministry and in your walk with Christ. Here you will read stories from women who have been in your place. We will share openly about our struggles and experiences and give testimony of God’s faithfulness in our weakness. We are so excited to come along side you as you care for your family and your church. You can learn more about our services here. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kellye is the Women’s Ministry Director for Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry. She has an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. She served as a missionary in Western Europe for two years helping to share the hope of Christ with women in difficult situations. While in seminary, she met her husband Craig who is an associate pastor at their church in Louisville, KY. She loves helping women discover the unique ways God has gifted them to serve the church.