Encouraging Our Ministry Spouses (Full Version)

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justjennhere -> Encouraging Our Ministry Spouses (6/30/2008 9:28:06 PM)

How do you encourage your spouse as he/she serves in vocational ministry? Or if you are the one in ministry, how does your spouse encourage you?

I'm finding as my DH serves as a young pastor that there are periods of time when, sometimes for reasons that have nothing to do with him personally, people are critical and discouraging. We knew this would be part of ministering to people who, like us, still aren't perfect even though we're saved. As he feels the weight of this, I sometimes struggle with practical ways to encourage him.

I would love to hear stories and ideas...



LaurainAL -> RE: Encouraging Our Ministry Spouses (6/30/2008 9:42:10 PM)

Hi Jenn:

I try not to ask a lot of questions and just let him vent to me, but only if he wants to. A lot of times he just doesn't want to talk about church when he gets home so I let him be. I tell him what a good Husband, Daddy, and Pastor he is and how hot [sm=fireanger.gif] he is. LOL. And it's all true.



drussell52 -> RE: Encouraging Our Ministry Spouses (6/30/2008 9:59:27 PM)

Hi Jenn and all on this forum. Thanks for this question and reminder to encourage your spouse in their vocation. My wife and I have been married 12 years this September and married in middle adulthood if you will. So we weren't 20 somethings. Kindness has always been 1 of my love languages, so I endeavor with God's help to show her that in ways I can. Be it listening, giving the several times a day hug, sending her a hello e-mail, or just agreeing, the day sucked, when it does for her or both of us! I think discovering and often using your "love language" is one way to encourage directly. When younger, people well-intended who always just said pray about it, and turned away didn't set well with me. I guess in our hurts we learn to treat others as we wish to be treated advised by our savior in His sermon at the hillside. I wish you and your DH well and much courage and encouragement. It's something "we" all need!



gmc4Jesus -> RE: Encouraging Our Ministry Spouses (7/1/2008 12:55:43 AM)

Jenn,
Speaking from a man's perspective: Look for the things he does that you can appreciate him for and let him know it. As a man, I'll jump over the moon for my wife's praise. She encourages me, lets me know that she appreciates and believes in me. She is very careful in critiquing, not critizing.

Also, pray for God to bless and encourage him in what he is doing.



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