What does God actually expect from a pastor’s wife?

If you’re a pastor’s wife, you probably don’t have to look very far to find a list of expectations. Some are healthy. Some are reasonable. And some are completely unrealistic.But how do you know the difference?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey talks honestly about the expectations placed on pastor’s wives—and the expectations we often place on ourselves.

After years of saying yes to every need, filling ministry positions, serving the church, raising three children, and eventually working full-time, Jennifer found herself exhausted and running on empty. The turning point came when she realized she had become more concerned with meeting everyone else’s expectations than with meeting the expectations of the Father.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why being married to a pastor does not mean you were hired when your husband was hired

• The unrealistic expectation of perfection

• How good qualities like dependability and a willingness to serve can become unhealthy

• Why “need” does not automatically equal “assignment”

• What Jesus teaches us through the story of Lazarus in John 11

• How our willingness to serve can sometimes prevent someone else from stepping into their calling

• Learning to say no without guilt

• The difference between saying “yes” because God asked and saying “yes” because someone asked

• Why leadership sometimes means creating space for someone else to lead

• How to decide early what God has actually called you to do

• Learning to recognize the voice of the Father above the expectations of others

If you’ve ever felt like you needed to be everything to everyone because you’re a pastor’s wife, I hope this conversation reminds you of something important: You do not have to prove your value by how much you accomplish.Not every request is a command.Not every need is an assignment.Not every opportunity is your opportunity.

And not every “no” is disobedience.

The goal isn’t to become the perfect pastor’s wife.The goal is to become the woman God has called you to be.

CONNECT MENTORING NETWORK

Connect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.Visit connectmentoringnetwork.org to explore our resources, mentoring opportunities, and e-course library.

You can purchase individual courses or become a Connect Mentoring Network member and receive access to the full library of resources, including courses on spiritual friendship, ministry transitions, healing from betrayal, leadership, boundaries, hearing God’s voice, and more.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER

Subscribe to the Connect Podcast for more conversations about faith, ministry, relationships, leadership, and navigating the seasons of life and ministry with health and purpose.

#PastorsWife #PastorsWives #WomenInMinistry #MinistryLife #MinistryLeadership #HealthyMinistry #MinistryBoundaries #ChristianWomen #HearingGodsVoice #MinistryHealth #ConnectMentoringNetwork #PastorsWifeLife #ChristianLeadership

Can a pastor’s wife have friends?Absolutely.But what happens when a friendship changes because the season changes?In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey, founder of Connect Mentoring Network, continues the conversation about friendship in ministry and explores one of the most difficult realities of relationships in ministry: sometimes a relationship can be real, meaningful, and good—and still come to an end.After decades of ministry and serving as a pastor’s wife, Jennifer shares what she has learned about recognizing different kinds of relationships, navigating ministry transitions, grieving friendships without rewriting the past, and learning to hold people with open hands.We’ll talk about:• The difference between acquaintances, casual friendships, and deeper friendships• Contextual and transactional relationships in ministry• Why transition and betrayal are not the same thing• How to recognize when a ministry season has changed• Why a church may no longer need the former pastor’s wife in the same way• How to grieve a relationship without deciding it was never real• Why we shouldn’t rewrite the past simply because the present has changed• The danger of avoiding friendship because we’re afraid of future pain• How to trust God with the people He brings into—and takes out of—our lives• What it looks like to hold friendships lightly while loving people deeplyThe truth is, some relationships will last a lifetime.Others will last for a season.And some of the most beautiful relationships God gives us may not be permanent—but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.It was real.It was good.And it ended.Those things can all be true at the same time.If you’re a pastor’s wife or a woman serving in ministry and you’re looking for biblical encouragement, practical resources, mentoring, prayer, and connection with other women who understand the journey, I’d love to invite you to explore Connect Mentoring Network.Visit www.connectmentoringnetwork.org to learn more.You can also explore our e-courses, with individual courses available to download or full access to the entire resource library through Connect Mentoring Network membership. Courses include friendship, ministry transitions, healing from betrayal, leading from your front-row seat, and more.Ministry is better when we don’t walk it alone.If this episode encouraged you, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another woman in ministry.#ConnectPodcast #PastorsWife #WomenInMinistry #MinistryFriendship #FriendshipInMinistry #ChristianFriendship #MinistryTransitions #HealthyFriendships #WomenInLeadership #MinistryLife #ConnectMentoringNetwork #ChristianWomen #MinistryEncouragement #PastoralMinistry

What happens when a friendship that once meant so much to you changes—or ends?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey talks honestly about one of the harder lessons she has learned about friendship: hold it lightly.

Some friendships last a lifetime. Others are gifts for a particular season. When a friendship ends, it can be tempting to protect ourselves by building walls and keeping people at a distance.

But what if we trusted God enough to keep our hearts open?

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why the ending of a friendship doesn’t erase the gift of the friendship• Learning to receive relationships with open hands• The difference between healthy boundaries and emotional walls• Why self-protection can keep us from future blessing• Trusting God to be our protector• How to remain open to friendship after experiencing hurt• Why pain doesn’t have to become a reason for isolation• Finding the courage to love deeply even when we know goodbyes can hurt

A. A. Milne wrote, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Maybe instead of saying, “I’ll never let anyone get that close again,” we can say, “I’m grateful I loved deeply enough for goodbye to hurt.”

If you’re a pastor’s wife or a woman serving in ministry, remember: you don’t have to navigate ministry alone.

💚 CONNECT MENTORING NETWORKConnect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.

Learn more and explore our resources at www.connectmentoringnetwork.org.

📖 LEADING FROM THE FRONT ROWLooking for encouragement and practical help for serving faithfully without losing yourself in ministry?

The Leading From the Front Row e-course is available as a stand-alone course, or you can join Connect Mentoring Network as a member and receive access to the full library of resources.

Subscribe to the Connect Podcast so you don’t miss the next conversation!

#ConnectPodcast #ChristianFriendship #FriendshipInMinistry #WomenInMinistry #PastorsWife #MinistryLife #ChristianWomen #HealthyFriendships #ConnectMentoring #MinistryLeadership #LeadingFromTheFrontRow

Can a pastor’s wife have friends?

YES! And not only can she have friends—she needs them.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer talks honestly about friendship for the pastor’s wife—including:

• Why isolation is not the same thing as wisdom• Having friends inside and outside the church• How to maintain healthy boundaries and confidentiality• Why you don’t have to be best friends with everyone in your congregation• Managing expectations in ministry friendships• How to model healthy friendship for the women around you• What to do when friendship brings hurt or disappointment• Why your friend cannot be your Savior• The importance of running to the throne before you run to the phone• Why you were never meant to walk alone

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay for a pastor’s wife to have close friends, this conversation is for you.

And if you’re a woman serving in ministry, I hope this episode reminds you that you can lead faithfully without living in isolation.

You can have friends.

And you need them.

❤️ CONNECT WITH JENNIFER

Jennifer Spivey is the founder of Connect Mentoring Network, a ministry created to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring, biblical resources, encouragement, and connection.

Learn more about Connect Mentoring Network and explore the full library of courses and resources:www.connectmentoringnetwork.org

🎓 LEADING FROM THE FRONT ROW

Want to grow in healthy, sustainable ministry leadership?

Jennifer’s Leading From the Front Row e-course is available as a stand-alone course, or you can join the Connect Mentoring Network and receive access to the full library of courses and resources.

You don’t have to hold the microphone to help shape the story.

You can lead well from your front-row seat.

🎧 If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another woman in ministry.

You were never meant to navigate ministry or life alone. Let’s stay connected!

#PastorsWife #PastorsWives #WomenInMinistry #MinistryWife #HealthyFriendships #ChristianFriendship #MinistryLeadership #WomenInLeadership #ConnectMentoringNetwork #ConnectPodcast

What if God’s correction isn’t rejection—but protection?In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey, founder of Connect Mentoring Network, explores why God’s correction can actually be a sign of His love.Through the story of Habakkuk and the wisdom of Hebrews 12, we’ll look at the difference between correction and condemnation, why God is willing to interrupt us when He sees something we cannot see, and what it might look like to welcome the Holy Spirit’s correction instead of resisting it.“You have marked them for correction.” —Habakkuk 1:12What if instead of asking, “Why are You correcting me?” we learned to ask: “Lord, what are You protecting me from?”In this episode, we’ll talk about:• Why correction is a sign of relationship• How God’s correction protects us• The difference between conviction and condemnation• Why correction requires a posture of listening• What Habakkuk teaches us about trusting God when we don’t have the whole picture• How we can respond to God’s correction with surrender rather than fearGod loves us too much to leave us where we are.CONNECT MENTORING NETWORKConnect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.Visit Connect Mentoring Network to explore biblical resources, on-demand courses, mentoring, and practical encouragement.You can download individual resources or become a Connect Mentoring Network member and gain access to the full library of resources and the mentoring community. LINK: www.connectmentoringnetwork.orgIf this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another woman who may need this reminder today!#GodsCorrection #GodsLove #ConnectPodcast #ChristianWomen #WomenInMinistry #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalEncouragement #HolySpirit #ConnectMentoringNetwork

What comes to mind when you hear the word fasting?

A 40-day fast?

Going without food?

Something only “super spiritual” Christians do?

Many believers avoid fasting—not because they don’t love God, but because they misunderstand what fasting is.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’re talking about:

✨ What fasting is

✨ What fasting is not

✨ Why Jesus said “when you fast”

✨ How fasting helps us draw closer to God

✨ How to begin practicing this important spiritual discipline

Fasting is not about punishment.

It’s not about proving how spiritual we are.

It’s about surrender.

It’s about creating space for God.

Join me for this conversation as we rediscover the beauty of biblical fasting and why this discipline still matters for believers today.

Listen now and share this episode with someone who wants to grow deeper in their walk with God! For more on fasting, check out the Fasting e-course at www.connectmentoringnetwork.org or explore memberships for access to the full library of resources!

#ConnectPodcast #BiblicalFasting #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndSpirituality #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianWomen #WomenOfFaith #GrowingInFaith #Discipleship #HearingGod #ChristianLiving #ConnectMentoringNetwork

Have you ever wondered if God is disappointed in you when you struggle?

Many of us understand that God loves us, but we still wrestle with the question: “What does God really think about me when I fail?”

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores one of the most misunderstood moments in Scripture—the time when Jesus overturned tables in the temple.

Through Mark 11:15-18, we discover that Jesus’ response was not about rejection, anger, or punishment. It was about love. He was removing the things that had become barriers between people and the presence of God.

God does hate sin—but because He loves us. He hates what sin does. He hates what destroys. He hates what keeps His children from experiencing the freedom, healing, and wholeness He created them for.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Jesus cleared the temple• The difference between conviction and condemnation• How God’s correction reveals His love• The ways we can “self-medicate in the presence of Jesus”• What may be keeping us from experiencing deeper intimacy with God

If you’re longing to grow spiritually, strengthen your leadership, and connect with other women who desire to follow God’s calling, we invite you to explore Connect Mentoring Network.

Visit www.connectmentoringnetwork.org to discover resources and community opportunities. You can explore individual resources or join as a member and receive access to the full library of courses and resources.

Thank you for joining me today on the Connect Podcast. I pray this conversation encourages you to remember:

God is not against you.

He is for you.

#ConnectPodcast #ChristianWomen #WomenOfFaith #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalEncouragement #SpiritualGrowth #KnowingGod #FaithJourney

Have you ever reached the end of the day feeling busy—but not necessarily intentional?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores the biblical idea of developing a Rule of Life—a simple, intentional plan for creating spiritual rhythms that keep Christ at the center of everyday life.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by responsibilities, distracted by a busy schedule, or longed for a deeper relationship with God, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, refocus, and make space for what matters most.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What a Rule of Life is (and what it isn’t)

• Why our daily rhythms shape our spiritual lives

• How unintentional habits can leave us feeling scattered and exhausted

• Why abiding in Christ is the foundation for lasting spiritual growth

• Simple ways to begin living with greater peace, purpose, and intentionality

💚 Want to go deeper?The Developing a Rule of Life e-course is available at www.connectmentoringnetwork.org.

You can purchase the individual course or become a Connect Mentoring Network member to receive access to our growing library of Christ-centered courses, mentoring resources, and community designed to help you grow in your faith.

If this episode encouraged you:

✔ Subscribe to the channel.

✔ Like this video.

✔ Share it with a friend.

✔ Leave a comment below: What is one spiritual rhythm that helps you stay connected to God?

Thank you for being part of the Connect community. I’m so grateful you’re here!

#RuleOfLife #ChristianWomen #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth #IntentionalLiving #AbideInChrist #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #WalkWithGod #ConnectMentoringNetwork

Have you ever longed for deeper Christian friendships but didn’t know how to begin?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores God’s design for Christian friendship and why meaningful, Christ-centered relationships are essential to a thriving faith.

Together, we’ll look at the fears that often keep us isolated, how Jesus consistently initiated relationships, and practical ways you can begin building life-giving friendships today.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why Christian friendship is essential to spiritual growth

• The lies that keep us isolated

• How Jesus modeled intentional relationships

• Practical ways to initiate meaningful friendships

• What healthy, biblical friendship looks like

Scriptures discussed:• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10• Genesis 2:18• Luke 19:1–10• John 15:13• Proverbs 27:6• Galatians 6:2

📖 Read this week’s companion blog: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org/blog

🌿 Ready to go deeper? Explore the Building Friendship e-course and discover a growing library of biblical mentoring resources for women in ministry at ConnectMentoringNetwork.org.

If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who could use a reminder that she was never meant to follow Jesus alone.

Let’s keep growing in faith, leadership, and the friendships God designed us to enjoy.

#ChristianFriendship #ChristianPodcast #WomenInMinistry #BiblicalFriendship #ChristianCommunity #Discipleship #FaithJourney #JenniferSpivey #ConnectMentoringNetwork

God Offered His Voice—and That Invitation Still Stands Today!Many believers quietly drift into a pattern of indirect spirituality—hearing about God, but not hearing from Him.In this episode, Jennifer Spivey unpacks a powerful moment in Deuteronomy 5 where Israel is offered direct relationship with God… but chooses mediation instead.This teaching explores what it means to live in true intimacy with God, rather than replacing relationship with structure, religion, or secondhand spirituality.You’ll learn:✔ God’s original desire for direct relationship✔ Why Israel asked for a mediator—and what it reveals✔ The difference between law-based living and relational living✔ How Scripture shows God still speaks today✔ What it means to truly hear God’s voiceKey Scriptures:Deuteronomy 5Romans 8:1–2John 17:3Hebrews 12:18–26Luke 10: Mary and MarthaIf this episode encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SPIVEY:➡ Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org#LeadershipDevelopment #ChristianLeadership #WomenInMinistry #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #HealthyLeadership #TeamLeadership #FaithLeadership #Discipleship #Mentoring