Member Reviews
I have read several books for pastor's wives (which for strange and different reasons have been gifted to me over the years), and since I have enjoyed them, I read this book as well. I also read it because I thought it would be useful to me since I am continually in contact with Pastor' wives and one of my wishes is to be a blessing, support, and support in their life. From this book, I took some points as a reference to share in monthly meetings that we have or informal talks one by one. I found many wise quotes and paragraphs that made me think a lot, they reflect the many years of experience of the author and her husband, it is not exactly what I had in mind that I would find content, but it is always interesting to hear the school of life of people like them, to keep all the good stuff. I felt that he shared a lot about marriage, from his particular position. The work that any Pastor and his wife do for the church is undeniable, reading about their perceptions and struggles helps you to have more empathy and pray more intentionally for them.
When I saw that Jani Ortlund was coming out with Help! I'm Married to My Pastor, I couldn't wait to read it--and I'm not even married! Jani's words are, as always, filled with grace and truth. She provides priceless wisdom that I'm sure will be a breath of fresh air to any woman who reads it. I look forward to getting a copy for my pastor's wife!
DNF. To be honest I just skimmed it. The author’s response anything remotely difficult and painful was just an extra spiritual version of “try harder and be better.” Every story in her book seemed to have a simple, happy solution which didn’t seem to really accurately reflect or acknowledge real life hurt and pain. The chapters were short and I didn’t find her writing style engaging at all. I wish it had been a good book...we need more books for women married to men in ministry.
"Help! I'm Married to My Pastor" is a book I have been searching for. My husband and I have a marriage ministry and sometimes work with couples who are in ministry or plan to be. Knowing the challenges involved, I have looked for a resource to recommend to the wives. For the newbies, I feel this book will prepare them and help them to be more aware of bumps in the road that can occur and not be overtaken by them.
I felt Jani Ortlund did a great job encouraging these women but also being realistic about the struggles they will face. She covered a wide variety of areas they may struggle with. I loved that Jani was vulnerable and spoke from her own experiences. She was not scared to share on any topic from romance to feeling betrayed by things that occur in ministry. She dealt with expectations and disappointments.
Preparing letters to "The Pastor" at the end of each chapter was a brilliant idea. They included things he could do to help his wife and also things they could do together to enhance their relationship.
The book covered a lot of scripture for the pastor's wife to stand on as well as things to pray for her pastor/husband. I will be buying this book not only for our library but to share with pastors' wives.
As a pastor’s wife, I have read more than one self-help book for ministry wives. Most of them leave me feeling inadequate and adding to my to-do-better list; making me feel discouraged and hopeless. This book was the first to be very different. Throughout the book, I felt like I was having a conversation with a mentor over a cup of tea. She was encouraging and empathetic. She shared stories that gave enough detail to nod my head thinking “oh I know all about that!” but not making me rehash painful details and moments. The book is divided into chapters reflecting on parts of having a ministry marriage. Cultivating a marriage, raising children, building friendships...the major areas that are a little bit tricky for a ministry wife. I found myself taking notes and reflecting on how I’ve done this particular part a little backward and how I could improve and do them differently. I felt encouraged and inspired throughout and would recommend this book to any ministry wife. Especially if you are walking through a season of hardship, new and starting out as a ministry wife, or looking to be encouraged in your “middle of life’s journey” point I would encourage you to read this book. It will gently point out areas that could be improved without overwhelming an already overwhelmed woman.
I've really struggled to read book as the truths are so real to me as the wife of a minister who has just been made redundant by his church. Sometimes people within the church have no clue what their ministers family go through and how survive. I am grateful to the author for sharing these things so people can learn a bit of what it's like.
Written by a pastor's wife, this title caught my eye. It's a comforting read to the wife who has a husband in ministry, with a lot of stories common to the ministry life experience. I loved how she directs the reader to engage in discussion with her spouse, to share potential struggles and improve communication.
My biggest takeaway is a high value of marriage. As the wife of a pastor, it's something we "should" know, but as we raise young kids, the hustle and bustle of life easily passes us by, just like for everyone else. So, it was a gentle, important reminder.
This book is a great encouragement for the wife in ministry, I highly recommend it!