Wife's ministry differs from that of her husband. She cannot take his assignment, but as his assistant and companion in the work she must ask counsel from God as to how to serve best her community and the church where her husband is the shepherd.
For any woman to attempt to work in a man's sphere is not always wise and may fail. There is specific work for the minister's wife, but it is not to her advantage to be always in the eye of the public. It is the steady, quiet, personal, and neighborhood work that shows real Christian living. This will gain for her husband due respect in his ministry. Therefore she should leave the preaching of doctrine to him.
First of all the minister's wife must be a good housekeeper and homemaker. She should be kind, courteous, and understanding. Many will come to her with tears and sorrows, and she must be the kind of woman who can sympathize and yet not become a part of the problem. Her duty may call her to the side of those who are dying. She may be called upon to help in weddings, funerals, and to help or tend the sick. It is her place to "study to shew . . . [herself] approved unto God . . . rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
It has been said, "Every child is a publisher." If we have several children, we have a publishing association! What we are as parents is published to the whole world. Alas, if they proclaim not the things that ring of the gospel! Therefore, our first duty as a minister's wife is to save our own children. We must take time to pray with them, to read to them, and to play with them. We must prepare them to meet Jesus. This is our very first responsibility. The father is away much of the time, so the mother must spend much more time and effort in caring for the spiritual needs of the family.
Not long ago a young man was put out of his own home for standing firm for the Sabbath. It was our privilege to invite him to our home until he could 'find a place to stay, which was only a few days. But how grateful he was for those days of help. Since that day, we have learned much about hospitality. It is not the fine things that make a person comfortable. It is the spirit in which the hospitality is given. I am sure that nowhere else is there more hospitality shown than in the homes of our ministers. I have visited in many a home and found the hostess always willing and eager to make room for one more and provide the best she had. Who, after eating at his host's table and joining in the family worship, does not count himself a friend?
Above all, a minister's wife should have no place in her life for unkind criticism. She must be free from a tongue that speaks unwisely and learn to control such for the sake of others. Prayer and power from on high will help her in this.
The minister's wife must take her share in church activities. With love in her heart for her husband's flock she must share their burdens and lighten the load for him wherever she may find the opportunity. She should be enthusiastic in new projects and help to organize and give support to the work of the Dorcas Society. This is a challenge to good leadership.
If the wife of the minister is accomplished in piano or voice, or better still, in both, it is a wonderful asset to his ministry. Adventist women are giving the message to the world in song and music, and this plays a great part in reaching the human heart.
Godly women do not need a spotlight in which to perform. They are happy to serve in any capacity anywhere. In the hours of disaster the lights of true Christianity shine the brightest. In the testing and trying hours of these days, there are many wonderful women who are letting their lights shine wherever they are placed. I think especially of the wives of ministers who are willing to pick up and go anywhere so that the gospel may be proclaimed to those who know it not.
