Thursdays with Todd Linn: 7 Ways a Pastor May Bless His Wife

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought it might be helpful to write something practical for ministry couples. If you are a married pastor, consider these 7 ways to bless your wife:

1. Remember you are her pastor. In our zeal to become good pastors to the entire church, we may neglect being a good pastor to the one closest to us. Your wife needs you as much, if not more, than other members of the church. Never assume she need less spiritual ministry simply because she’s married to the pastor. 
2. Have a regular date night. Regularly schedule an evening out together. Your date night need not be expensive; just make time to be together. Most members will appreciate that you have scheduled time together and, unless it’s an emergency, will resist contacting you on your date night.
3. Be a good father. If God has blessed you and your wife with children, then be sure to be there for them as your family’s primary spiritual leader. Because your wife spends a great deal of time parenting the children, you bless her enormously when you share that responsibility and support her decisions in the presence of the children.
4. Invite her to minister with you. Serving together is a great way for couples to draw closer. Invite your wife to go with you as you make ministry visits. Not only does she feel honored to serve with you, but members are encouraged when they see a pastor and wife serving together. Consider the value of her presence when counseling members who may benefit from her knowledge and experience. You may also think about leading a marriage retreat together as another way to bless her by including her in ministry.
5. Share with her what God is teaching you. Your wife enjoys hearing how God is working in your life. Taking time to share with her what He has revealed to you in prayer blesses her. You also honor her when you share what God has shown in your study of a biblical passage. Always remember the two of you are “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7).
6. Pray with her. Because she is your divinely created helper (Genesis 2:18), your wife enjoys praying for you as well as praying with you. Taking her by the hand and talking to God show your love for her. It also blesses her with a sense of security as she knows her husband is seeking God regularly in his efforts to provide spiritual leadership in the home.
7. Worship with her. If possible, sit with your wife during worship and praise God with her. Even if it’s just for a few minutes before you preach, she will appreciate the opportunity to worship alongside her husband.

Pastors: What are some other ways you can bless your wife?