The Scriptures do not lay out any specific role of the preacher’s wife. Paul gives very specific instructions to Timothy and Titus regarding the roles and work of ministry for the preacher. However, the preacher does not even have to have a wife. Many have had a companion and a partner in their work, but many have not. Paul does not give specific instructions to the wives of the men who preach and teach in the role of evangelic ministers. Paul does say that women are to be submissive to their husbands and to remain quiet in the church. Proverbs presents two extremes of the good wife and the contentious wife. But for the religious leader specifically who preaches, there is no specific blueprint to follow. So here are three qualities and behaviors that I have observed that are important for us to consider for a preacher’s wife, and I believe these can be supported by Biblical principles.

  1. The preacher’s wife has a top priority of taking care of her husband. Like any other woman in the church, she has a calling to serve the Lord by being submissive to her husband. She has a calling to care and minister to others, and God has not only given this to preacher’s wives but to all women in the church. But more than anyone else, she is to care for her husband and to support him in their work in the Kingdom of God. Together, they set an example for the marriages and families they influence. 
  1. The preacher’s wife must have values that align with Christian Biblical values. She sets an example for mothers, other wives, and other ladies on how to conduct herself as she serves in the Lord’s Kingdom. How does she interact with other people? Does she show love and concern? How does she interact with her husband? Is she respectful and follows his lead, or is she “wearing the pants” in the family? 
  1. The preacher’s wife must be a friend to all and a support to everyone. She looks to see how she can help others and makes friends with people that are easy to be friends with as well as people who are challenging to be friends with. She looks to see how she can include others and bring more people into the church family where her husband is preaching and teaching. 

I have seen these qualities and behaviors in many preachers’ and elders’ wives too. I have seen this lived out in Mrs. Barbara Knight, Sheryl Turner, Karen Canter, Pam Stewart, Sandy Norris, and now in my own wife, Kira Mills. These ladies are the unsung heroes of many of the churches and preachers I have known. I thank the Lord for their work and their sacrifice. May we all work as hard as you preacher’s wives do. 

 

I love you,

Alex Mills