I was on my way home the other night and had the opportunity to hear a lady speaking at a Pastor’s Wives conference (that I assume was recorded and played over the radio).
She was giving numerous tips on how to be a good and gracious pastor’s wife. She talked about being a hospitable host, being kind to others, using edifying language (she even apologized for saying the word ‘vomit’ during a story she told), not gossiping or bragging, and she gave several other ‘tips’ that I think we would all agree are good things.
During these tips she talked about a sister who started a bible study in her home. She had invited a few people to study the Word of God during the week. Apparently, this is a no-no. The pastor’s wife had to confront her to tell her that “we don’t do that.”
You see, this sister of ours had good intentions, she wanted to learn more about God and enjoy that fellowship with other brothers and sisters. She just did not understand the rules about studying the bible. First, they need to be commissioned by the church leaders (note lowercase c). Second, they need to take place in the church building. Third, a female is not allowed to study the bible without a man present to correct her.
Question, at what point did we “protestants” become Catholic?
P.S. Our sister stopped her bible study in accordance to the rules.
All I want to say to that is …
WHATEVER! Gosh, I’m so tired of hearing all this “how to be a good Pstor’s Wife” stuff. Oh, oops, I guess I shouldn’t have said “gosh” — too close to taking the Lord’s name in vain — not like agood little Pastor’s Wife!
Okay, I am full of the sarcasm this morning … can you see my eyes rolling out of my head?
;)
Peace…
~Heather
Lew,
I have a couple of concerns about what this lady presented. You’ve already mentioned the Bible study thing. I’m astonished that this lady would discourage someone from holding a Bible study – wherever, whenever, and with whomever.
One other thing concerns me. You said: “She talked about being a hospitable host, being kind to others, using edifying language (she even apologized for saying the word ‘vomit’ during a story she told), not gossiping or bragging, and she gave several other ‘tips’ that I think we would all agree are good things.” Yes, I agree that these are good things. However, why are these presented as proper for a “Pastor’s Wife”? Are these basic characteristics of any believer? When we present lists like that for “Pastors” or “Pastors’ Wives”, we inadvertantly teach that these types of people have different requirements or characteristics from other believers. This is not what Scripture teaches.
-Alan
Lew,
I definitely agree with Alan. Any believer should have the freedom to start a bible study, fellowship, time of prayer, etc.
Also, it is one thing to believe that, as a pastor’s wife, you should abstain from taking part in certain activities, but to insist that another person follow the guidelines you have created, is another thing altogether.
It saddens me to learn that the spirit of believers trying to follow the leading of God is being squelched for the sake of tradition.
Heather
Your sarcasm is welcome anytime of the day!
Alan
Good observation. Throughout her speech, she had this air about her like those who refer to themselves as the “first lady of XnX church.”
Christy
Thanks for stopping bye. I agree with the observations you have made.
Thank you all.
God’s Glory,
Lew
Lew,
That lady didn’t speak with an Australian accent, by any chance? Excuse my sarcasm but that is the sort of nonsense we hear from more than a few actors (I’m sure you know what I mean).
I find these demands on “pastor’s wives” to be obnoxious. Maybe it’s old age, but get a little annoyed about people who wear masks and expect others to do the same.
Blessings,
Aussie John
lew – this kind of control has been very common in protestanism. as someone has observed we went from having a one pope system to have a pope per congregation.
sad story.
glad to hear you are seeing things differently.
blessings.