Activities of the Minister's Wife

What are the possibilities for minister's wives in the work of God?

By ESTHER F. PLENC, Teacher and Bible Instructor, Austral Union, South America

Greek or Hebrew! What a blessed source of information for those who can use these languages in their service for the Lord. But what a challenge also for ministers' wives to know that there is besides, a vast field of activi­ties to accomplish, within our possibilities, even if we are not able to master the most difficult subjects in human knowledge! If we have chosen to dedicate our lives to serve others, our opportunities in winning souls for the kingdom are as many as those of the minister himself. But our contribution in doing this comes first of all from our faithful service at home. If you are a missionary appointee, what a privilege is yours! Soon your home overseas will become the center of attraction to the young people as well as to the other members of your church. There you would be in position to minister in the capacity of an efficient house­keeper as well as a charming hostess. Suppose you are located in a lonely district. You could hardly have time to realize this fact, as some Of our ministers and other visitors would visit your field at some future date, encouraging and advising you in your missionary endeavor. Of course you are overjoyed as these visitors become your guests, knowing that your home in the mission compound is like an oasis for them.

Being able to lead or supervise in the Sab­bath school as well as in the young people's society is a commendable work for the minis­ter's wife. And it might be that in some places she is the only one with musical talent unless she herself instructs somebody else in this art. Soon those she trains will be able to lead in the different activities of the church. And here is really when we start to accomplish our task —as soon as we begin to develop leadership in others as well as to inspire them to co-operate.

It might be that if the minister is away on one of his three-or-four-week tours around his field, your turn will come to assist in the activi­ties of the church. For instance, on prayer meeting night you would not want to close the door of the church because your husband is not at hand. If you would lead out on that night, the people would be pleased and also yours would be the joy of being able to serve.

Sometimes it happens that our guest minis­ter from overseas is not yet acquainted with the language in which we work. If another avail­able person is not to be found, probably he will call on the missionary's wife. In a dignified way she should walk up to the pulpit with the guest minister, willing to introduce him to the church, and willing also to translate his sermon into the language of the congregation.

Let us not forget the joy of being able to assist with the different activities of the Dorcas society. Here, as we all know, is an unlimited field of service in behalf of the many who are in need in these troublous times all around the world. And what a joy to be able to impart comfort and happiness along with our service.

Sometimes we like to go along with the min­ister, making calls, meeting new people, or visiting the sick. Time comes when we pack our suitcases and off we go together for a few days' missionary trip. All these, of course, are times when we carry cheer and optimism to those with whom we associate. What a privi­lege and what an opportunity for us as well as for any woman who longs to share the happi­ness and the sorrows of a life completely dedi­cated to ministry.


Ministry reserves the right to approve, disapprove, and delete comments at our discretion and will not be able to respond to inquiries about these comments. Please ensure that your words are respectful, courteous, and relevant.

comments powered by Disqus

By ESTHER F. PLENC, Teacher and Bible Instructor, Austral Union, South America

November 1947

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

A Reading Schedule for Modern Philips

Those who systematically follow the United Study Plan year by year are its best promoters.

That the Ministry Be Not Blamed

Every Seventh-day Adventist young man is called and expected to be a witness for God—but not everyone is called to the gospel ministry.

Special Publicity Features in Evangelism

Paper presented at the Columbia Union ministerial institute.

Singing Evangelists and Speaking Evangelists

Presented at Southwestern Union ministerial in­stitute.

Psychology and Psychiatry Often Overrated

I wonder whether we are aware of the dangers of the new modernism which is creeping into the prominent religious world?

The Art of Reading Aloud

What is oral reading? What are its benefits?

Holy Spirit in Preaching—No. 2

A fifth manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power in preaching is the quickening of the conscience.

Physical and Mental Fitness

From the Columbia Union ministerial institute:

Jehovah's Witnesses Reviewed

The sect, Jehovah's Witnesses, had their origin about seventy-five years ago, but did not gain their present strength until about twenty-five years ago.

Seven Aids to Radio Preaching

The editor of the Ministry has requested me to prepare material touching the subject of the radio ser­mon from the experiences and lessons gained during three years' association with the Voice of Prophecy.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)