Encouragement and appreciation for PWs (Pastor’s wives)

Choir director, Sunday school teacher, working mum, mum, grandma. What does being a pastor’s wife look like these days?

I have struggled with this since my husband Nick started seminary 15 years ago. At various times I haven’t felt like I fit the mould of being the ‘pastor’s wife’ (PW). I don’t sing well. I haven’t had time to get involved: I’ve either been in a full-time job or full-time mum of little ones. Sometimes I just need a break from being ‘on’ every Sunday.

But you know what – despite it all – this is what God has called me into. This life and this role is ministry. It is my husband, my children, and my church. It’s trying and often times failing to show God’s love to those around me.

Hi! I’m Kirby (Schultz) Mullen. I grew up in Dalby, lived in Adelaide, married an American and moved overseas to the USA where my husband was a pastor until just last year when we took a call to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Everton Hills.

While in the USA, something changed my whole perspective of a good ‘pastor’s wife’: Katie Conference (Katie being Martin Luther’s wife). At this retreat for PWs we found a place of belonging and understanding as we talked, and laughed and cried together.

These retreats were such pivotal moments in my life that I wanted to be involved in building a similar culture within the LCA. On September 17-19 this year we will be getting started by holding a Grace Laced conference for PWs as an elective within the general Replenish women’s retreat.

PWs are in need of appreciation. Appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work (tears, joys) and the good humour with which we share who we are. We also need rest and encouragement.

Grace Laced is this moment. A moment we PWs can gather with our peers. Our weekend will follow closely the Replenish weekend with its open program.  Grace Laced program (for wives of pastors only) will run on Saturday morning until after lunch. If you are a PW, please come and be encouraged. It may not be your cup of tea – and that is totally fine too. We just want a chance to uplift you where you are right now in your ministry.

I love board games and will be bringing along some ‘Euro’ board games such as Azul, Qwirkle, Sushi-Go, Kingdomino to share with any Replenish retreat attendees who will join me. Bring your own games to teach & play.

You can register for Grace Laced or Replenish via this link. Subsidies are available for any women in drought affected areas: please contact kathy.matuschka@qld.lca.org.au or (07) 3512 7286 to find out more.