Wives of pastors can be shining stars for Christ if they are willing.
“To be a star is something you really need to accept,” said Dwaine Bouldin when addressing 44 minister’s wives and guests Nov. 12 at Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro.
Bouldin, a pastor’s wife for 50 years who lives in Matthews, N.C., serves on the Budget Committee of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. She said minister’s wives “have a special place as a star because of your position.”
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BR photo by Dianna L. Cagle From right: Chrissie Redding, president; Diane Smith, Central 1 representative; Gina Powell, secretary/treasurer; Harriet Lovett, president elect; and Lisa Miller, vice president elect. Other officers not pictured: Dakota Spurling, vice president; Susan Stamper, publicity; Marlene Hampton, retreat chairperson; Judy King, retreat vice chairperson; Beverly Spears, Eastern representative; Amy Harmon, Central 1 representative; Julie Pierce, Western 1 representative; Sylvia Murphy, Western 2 representative; Becky Blakely, 2014 retreat chairperson; and Donna Burnop, 2014 retreat vice chairperson. |
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Bouldin spoke at the 57th Annual North Carolina Baptist Ministers’ Wives meeting. Using Philippians 2:14-15 and Colossians 1:24-27, she discussed how to “Polish Your Shine.”
Holding up a current pop culture magazine, she shared how much it costs to look like a star. “People notice what you do … what you wear,” she said, noting that a certain celebrity spends $49,000 a month on her look.
Bouldin encouraged the women not to get too distracted by the finer things. She told of a time when she took great care in choosing a new outfit, and the day she wore it to church, four other ladies wore the same attire.
Bouldin encouraged the ladies to do things that are helpful to their husbands, and especially not to argue with them on Sunday morning before the service.
She challenged the women to see each church where their husband ministers as an opportunity touch lives for Christ. But also, take time to find other minister’s wives nearby so “you can minister to one another.”
“You are not in it alone,” Bouldin said. “You have to get used to living in a fish bowl.”
Each minister’s wife should have at least one friend that is not a member of her church. “You do need somebody to listen,” but Bouldin warned that telling someone in the church tempts women to succumb to the sin of gossip.
Each woman needs to find her source of power in the Holy Spirit, too.
“You have to pray that every morning that God would fill your cup again,” she said. “It will revolutionize your life how God is taking care of you. If you drift away from the Lord your shine won’t be as bright.”
She also warned not to take their position for granted.
“Being a pastor’s wife is not a gift … it’s an honor,” she said.
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