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Ministry life is full of both joys and challenges, and sometimes those challenges come from unexpected places. In this episode, Sarah Hutchinson shares how her faith has carried her through not only the day-to-day demands of being a pastor’s wife but also through one of the most difficult seasons of her life—when her daughter experienced a serious accident.

Her story is one of perseverance, trust in God, and learning to find balance in the midst of it all.

Walking Through the Storm

Sarah’s life was turned upside down when her daughter was involved in a life-altering accident. As she recounted the story, you could hear both the pain and the gratitude in her voice.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced,” Sarah shared. “But it was also when I felt God’s presence the most.”

The accident forced her family to slow down, reassess their priorities, and lean on their faith like never before. It wasn’t easy, but it became a pivotal moment in Sarah’s ministry and personal life.

Finding Balance Amid the Unexpected

Through the challenges that came with her daughter’s recovery, Sarah learned to balance her roles as a mother, a wife, and a pastor’s wife.

“There were days I felt like I was failing at everything,” she admitted. “But God kept reminding me that I didn’t have to do it all on my own. He was with me every step of the way.”

Her story highlights the importance of grace—not just grace from God, but grace for ourselves. Sarah spoke candidly about letting go of the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations and instead focusing on what truly mattered.

Lessons from the Journey

Sarah shared several valuable lessons she learned during this season:

• Trust God’s timing. “Sometimes, things don’t happen the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t in control.”
• Lean on your community. During her daughter’s recovery, Sarah experienced an outpouring of love and support from her church family and friends.

Encouragement for Pastor’s Wives

Sarah’s journey is a reminder that life in ministry is not always predictable, but God is always faithful. She had this encouragement for fellow pastor’s wives:

“Don’t be afraid to let people see your struggles. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that God’s strength shines through.”

CONNECT WITH SARAH
Instagram: Sarahhutch_40
Facebook: Sarah Jan Hutchinson
Email Sarah: [email protected]

LINKS WE MENTIONED
Jennie Allen on Candace Cameron Bure's podcast 
Get Out of Your Head By Jennie Allen

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In this episode, Katie Fordham shares her journey as a pastor's wife navigating ministry challenges and a life-changing Parkinson's diagnosis. Katie opens up about her upbringing, her call to ministry, and the unexpected trials that shaped her faith and reliance on God's provision.

She offers wisdom and encouragement for pastors' wives facing church hurt or chronic illness, and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, and community. Katie's story is a powerful testimony of God's unwavering faithfulness in the midst of life's trials.

In This Episode

1. Overcoming Church Hurt:
Katie recounts her experience with church conflict that led to her husband resigning, leaving them without income, insurance, or a home. She describes the deep hurt she felt and the journey toward forgiveness, saying, “Until I could forgive, God wasn’t going to be able to put us in ministry anywhere.”

Her advice to pastors' wives facing similar hurt:

• Seek Help: Turn to your state convention or denominational resources for support.
• Rely on Community: Find a church home that will love you well and help you heal.
• Guard Your Heart: Avoid bitterness, as it can hinder your spiritual growth and ministry.
• Pray Together: Maintain unity with your spouse and seek God’s direction as a team.

2. Living with Parkinson’s Disease:
Katie shares her journey of being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 36, a diagnosis that affects less than 1% of the population in her demographic. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional toll of the disease and how God has provided every step of the way.

“If I can name it, I can fight it.” Katie reflects on how naming the diagnosis gave her clarity but also a new level of trust in God’s plan.

Advice for Ministering to Those with Parkinson’s or Chronic Illness:

• Respect Boundaries: Understand physical and emotional limits, like avoiding physical touch during tremors.
• Provide Practical Help: Meals, transportation, and simply being present can be powerful.
• Offer Encouragement: Remind them of hope and gratitude, which can lift their spirits.
• Be Patient: Chronic illness can bring fatigue and mood changes; compassion is key.

Her reminder: “When we find gratitude, we find our purpose. Be thankful in all things.”

3. Encouragement for Pastors’ Wives:

• Trust God’s Plan: Even in uncertainty, God is faithful and provides abundantly.
• Seek Restoration: Whether through forgiveness or sabbaticals, prioritize spiritual and emotional health.
• Be an Advocate: Stand up for your family’s needs and fight for rest when it’s necessary.
• Pray Continuously: Cover your spouse and family in prayer as you navigate ministry challenges.

Connect with Katie

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This is a replay of an episode from 2022, but it's so good I wanted to share it again to inspire you to get ready to celebrate the season!

This week on the podcast we're getting really practical! Stevie Ciske is a master planner of all things (my description, not hers!) and she is sharing how she makes Christmas memories with her family throughout the month of December. The key is PLANNING!

Not only does she share some great ideas, she's given us a few resources (see the links below) to help us do the same in our families. Whether you 're starting simple or ready to jump all in, this episode will help you prepare to make Christmas memories without stressing out!

LINKS WE MENTIONED
Stevie's Advent Planner

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In this episode, Erica opens up about the incredible journey that led her and her husband to ministry, their transition into church leadership, and how they balance it all while raising four young children. From meeting online to serving the Lord in their community, Erica’s story is full of faith, fun, and an inspiring example of what it means to fully commit to God's plan.

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Join the Private Facebook Community

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Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

Be A Guest on The Pastor Wife Life

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In this episode, I sat down with Robin Schmidt, an ambassador for PIR Ministries, to discuss the vital work they do in supporting pastors who have experienced forced exits from their congregations. Robin shares the history and mission of PIR (Pastor in Residence), a ministry founded to provide a safe haven and restorative process for wounded pastors and their families. Learn how PIR helps restore hope, trust, and a sense of calling to those who have dedicated their lives to ministry.

Introduction to PIR Ministries: Robin introduces PIR Ministries and its mission to support pastors who have been forcibly exited from their congregations due to conflict, burnout, or moral failures.

Refuge Churches: Discover the concept of Refuge Churches—grace-filled churches that offer a safe and supportive environment for exited pastors and their families to heal and restore their sense of calling.

The Ministry of Presence: Robin emphasizes the importance of simply being present with those who are hurting, drawing parallels to the Jewish custom of sitting shiva.

The Healing Process: Understand the structured support system provided by PIR, including support teams, affirmations, and the Pro-D assessment, which helps pastors and their spouses understand their strengths and areas for growth.

Links We Mentioned

PIR Ministries Website: pirministries.org

[book] Pastors at Risk - Dr. Charles A. Wickman 

[book] The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout - Sean Nemecek

[download] Relief from the Pressure to Produce - Roy Yanke

[download] When Christians Clash - Dan Borg

[podcast] Hope Renewed 

If you or someone you know is a pastor who has been forcibly exited from their congregation, reach out to PIR Ministries for support and resources to help you heal and restore your sense of calling.

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On this episode of the Pastor Wife Life podcast, I’m chatting with Brandice Lardner of Grace-Filled Plate of Grace-Filled Plate.

At Grace Filled Plate, Brandice guides Christian women to overcome the diet mindset and discover food freedom through a relationship with Christ. Despite knowing our needs are met in Jesus, many of us get swept up in worldly thinking and past struggles. We try to fix our food issues with tools that aren't from the Lord. While God may use various tools, it's ultimately about putting Him first.

CONNECT WITH BRANDICE

Grace-Filled Plate website

[book] Grace-Filled Plates: Ditch Diets and Find Food Freedom Through God’s Grace - a 30-day devotion

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Join the Private Facebook Community

The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

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I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

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Today on the podcast, we’re diving into the topic of trials and finding joy with my friend, Barb Raveling. Joy is one of my favorite topics, especially as someone who has battled depression for years. When God delivered me from that, joy became incredibly precious to me because I had gone so long without it.

The enemy often tries to steal our joy. While this is true for any believer, it sometimes feels particularly intense in the pastor's wife life. We face unique challenges as we love on God's people and our families, and the enemy's attacks can be relentless.

Joy is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible experience that comes from walking closely with God through every trial. It’s a testimony to His faithfulness and a light to those around us. As we navigate our own journeys, let us embrace each trial as an opportunity to grow in faith and joy, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

CONNECT WITH BARB

Barb's website

Barb's Facebook page

Barb's Instagram

Follow Barb on Pinterest

Barb on YouTube

LINKS WE MENTIONED

Phillipians Bible Study

Barb's other books

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Carrie Blackley is a Tennessee pastor’s wife who has experienced the mercy, grace, and love of God. Her story of coming out of addiction and into a life surrendered to Jesus to being the pastor’s wife is an amazing testimony of the power of God. You will love her genuine heart and be encouraged by her faith!

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

Carrie on Facebook

The Highlands Church on Facebook

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In today's episode, Michele Cole shares her story of becoming the pastor's wife, facing infertility, and the diagnoses of autism and ADHD for her boys.

Michele emphasizes the role of faith in the midst of difficult journeys and the importance of finding spiritual and relational support. She also gives great insight into way the church can be more inclusive and understanding, ensuring that all families feel welcomed and supported. 

If you are a pastors' wife and mom to kids with special needs, you will be so encouraged by this episode! And if you’re a pastor’s wife who wants to deepen her understanding of how to minister to moms of special needs kids, you’re going to get a lot out of this episode. 

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Join the Private Facebook Community

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I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

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Kristen Smith has been married to her husband Heath, pastor of Alpha Baptist Church in Morristown, TN, for six years. They are parents to two boys, ages 4 and 2. You're going to love Kristen and her enthusiasm and joy for the pastor wife life.

On this episode we talked about so many things and I struggled with giving this episode a title because it was all so good!  So get ready to hear about starting a book club in your church, transitioning from one church to another, her dad's part in Kristen becoming the pastor's wife, and so much more! (Maybe I should've called this episode: When Dad is the Matchmaker.)

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN:
Kristen on Facebook
Kristen on Instagram
Alpha Baptist Church in Morristown TN

LINKS WE MENTIONED:
Avid Readers of Christian Fiction (Facebook group)
Someone Like You - Karen Kingsbury (book)
The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady - Sharon Mondragon (book)

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Join the Private Facebook Community

The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

Be A Guest on The Pastor Wife Life

Go to the FAQ page to find out how you can be on an episode of the PWP. I promise - it's painless!