The Minister's Wife

When a young woman accepts the proposal of a young minister, it is her respon­sibility to understand the requirements of his profession or calling before she becomes his wife, and determine to enter into his work with genuine interest and enthusiasm.

"God will require the talent lent her with usury. She should work earnestly, faithfully, and unitedly with her husband to save souls. She should never ... express a lack of interest in her husband's- labor, or dwell upon home­sick, discontented feelings."—Evangelism, p. 674.

The conference program should be of as much importance to the wife as to the minister. That is why she should be encouraged to at­tend workers' meetings and various conven­tions where possible. She needs the same spir­itual boost and knowledge of the great needs of the fields. She must share the responsibility placed upon him if she is to stand by his side as a co-worker or helpmeet. How can a minis­ter's wife enter wholeheartedly into the various church projects or be on fire with zeal for the Sabbath school work, for example, if she does not know anything about them ? It is not her business to get up front and promote, but she can enter into her husband's feelings, and give him an extra pat on the back when he comes home beaming with the announcement, "We're over the top in Ingathering!"

The wife of a minister should, live a devoted prayerful life. The family worship period, the heart-to-heart chats, the tears shed together over souls they are striving to bring to Christ —all play a part in making a minister a real success. To her, the minister's work should be paramount.

She should undertake no task or office in the church that detracts from the influence of her husband. If she is asked to teach a class, sing a solo, or give a talk, proper arrangements should be made for the care of the children lest -the minister be relegated to the office of baby -sitter. As one minister expressed it, "There just isn't room in one home for two preachers." We sometimes see wives who are so overanxious for prominence, they allow their own zealous desires to hinder the influence of their hus­bands.

There is a very important place for the wife, but she must use great tact in filling it. She should be alert to detect strangers in the con­gregation, and express a warm welcome to them. The little old lady in the corner needs a smile as well as the more prominent member. The children and youth will love her if given the opportunity. Officers may need training under her direction. The Sabbath school de­partments will welcome her help. If there is no Bible instructor, she may conduct classes in various fields of endeavor. The Dorcas Society would welcome an occasional visit. But in all this she should keep her personality in the background, working to bring greater success to the calling of her husband. She should avoid expressing opinions in regard to church prob­lems. That is the work of the church board. She may advise her husband, expressing her views freely and offering helpful counsel, but this should be done privately. She should not make engagements or appointments for her husband without his knowledge, because he may have other plans that would interfere.

There is absolute necessity for complete con­fidence in each other. Satan is making a great effort to tear down the Christian home and cause our ministers to fall. If she feels that there is someone paying too much attention to her husband, they should discuss it carefully and prayerfully, but in no case should she ever confide it to a member of the church. That is a sure way to start gossip. The average minister is consecrated to the Lord, however, and loves his family.

The home relationship is the most important phase of the wife's work. Home is her hus­band's haven. When problems become weari­some, criticism is scathing him, and discourage­ments mount—how wonderful to know that beside him stands a sympathetic partner always ready to encourage him. When everyone else misunderstands, she remains faithful. When he preaches a poor sermon, she finds some point on which to encourage, and in a tactful way shows him how he can improve his discourse.

If there are no children, she should spend much time visiting with the minister. The book Evangelism says: "She should be willing to ac­company her husband, if home cares do not hinder, and she should aid him in his efforts to save souls.................... A. sister-laborer in the cause of truth can understand and reach some cases, especially among the sisters, that the minister cannot."—Page 675. If she keeps busy with missionary and soul-saving work, she will have little time for, or need of, social contacts. Avoid becoming too intimate with church members. Cliques are dangerous. It is much better to be on the Elder and Mrs. terms with members than the John and Mary salutation. Too great familiarity lessens influence for good.

If there are children, "then let her tend them with loving, care. She is charged with the responsibility of showing to the world the power and excellence of home religion."—Ibid., p. 676. I like this quotation from Margaret Sangster : "Baby's skies are mother's eyes: and when mother is cheerful, happy, and considerate, the household barometer stands at fair weather and there is less danger of storm and tempest." Her ministry of love makes the home a Bethel. The quiet hour at twilight is the most impor­tant of the day. Mother takes charge most of the time, listening to the problems of the chil­dren, studying the Sabbath school lesson, and telling them stories. The hour is closed with fervent prayers lisped by childish lips as they learn to talk with their heavenly Father.