Egumeni Lebakhokheli:

… invite for pastors’ wives, woman pastors

Behindthe pulpit, there are women carrying responsibilities, expectations and challenges that are not always seen and known by bazalwane.

From supporting her pastor husband to being present in church, serving others and trying to meet the expectations of the congregation, the life of a pastor’s wife can come with pressures that are not always seen or spoken about.

For women pastors, the demands of leading, serving and remaining strong for others can be equally challenging.

Tomorrow, pastors’ wives and women pastors will have an opportunity to talk openly and remind one another that they do not have to walk the ministry journey alone.

Cornerstone Mount Zion Church in Ezulwini will host a special gathering for pastors’ life partners and women pastors under the theme, ‘Rooted in grace, lead in power: Thriving beyond expectations. The gathering will take place tomorrow at 10:30am.

The session will be facilitated by Pastor Idah Khumalo, who is also a pastor’s wife, together with other pastors.  Speaking about the gathering, Gogo Khumalo said there was a real need for pastors’ wives to have spaces where they could openly talk and help each other.

She said pastors’ wives also needed an opportunity to discuss the ministry God had chosen for them, both within the church and in their homes.

The discussions will look at issues such as separating personal identity in Jesus from the expectations of the congregation or a husband’s ministry, dealing with perfectionism and the isolation that can come with life in a ministry home.

Women will also be encouraged to build a personal and vibrant relationship with God that is not based only on church performance, stand firmly in their God given calling and lead with boldness while remaining humble.

The gathering will also address the unique leadership challenges faced by women in ministry, with an emphasis on grace and endurance.

For pastors’ wives and women pastors who sometimes feel they must always be strong for everyone else, this could be a much-needed space to simply be among women who understand.

The gathering will be held at Cornerstone Church in Ezulwini, towards Ebuka, opposite Shoprite next to Assemblies of God.

For more information, contact 7643 5984.