Practical Tips for Your Ministers' Wives Support Group

Written by Becky Badry

If you've read our previous article, 3 Steps to Start a Ministers' Wives Support Group, and believe God wants you to be the catalyst for this type of ministry, consider some logistical issues and practical tips as you plan your meeting times together: 

Help! I’m a Minister’s Wife

• Be consistent in getting together.
• Provide childcare. 
• Keep your time together laid-back.
• Be flexible with your agenda according to needs.
• Use prayer in practical ways.
• Plan for fun!

Once you get a group going, here are some topics to help you get conversation started. Your ladies may not need any prompting at all, but it’s good to use some questions as guidelines for your time together.

• General: How do you feel about your role as a ministry partner?
  
• Ministry Training: What training for ministry do you have, want, or need? Where can you seek that?
  
• Marital Stress: What sorts of marital stress are you experiencing right now?
  
• Parenting: What unique parenting issues are you and your husband facing?
  
• Personal Wellness: How is your personal fitness and health? How can your friends or church family help you achieve any personal fitness/health goals you have?
  
• Conflict Management: What do you think are the greatest sources of conflict in your life? With whom does conflict most often occur? How do you resolve it?
  
• Counseling: Is counseling needed for any relationships in your life? Where can you find counseling specifically for ministers and their wives?
  
• Sharing the Gospel: How can you effectively share the gospel, given your unique role in the local church and community?
  
• Household Management: What stresses you out about managing your household right now? Where do you think better organization or help is needed? What feels out of control?
  
• Setting Boundaries: Are you able to say no? What are some effective ways to say no when it’s necessary? Where do boundaries fall in church, ministry, relationships, etc.?

As your group gets to know one another and grows closer through your times together, don't be afraid to reach out to other ministers' wives who may be in need of a support system, just as you have been. With God's guidance, your small group of ministers' wives can provide support for one another as you all experience the joys and trials of life in ministry.