The “road” of ministry is of a very different sort
– and not just for the minister but for those who travel along as well.
As a preachers kid and a former local church staff member,
Cindy Townsend certainly understands that.
The “road” of ministry is of a very different sort
– and not just for the minister but for those who travel along as well.
As a preachers kid and a former local church staff member,
Cindy Townsend certainly understands that.
She understands how the minister (and subsequently his wife)
is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
She understands the “fishbowl” environment that surrounds
a ministerial family.
And she understands the way ministers and all members of their
families are held to a higher accountability.
Now, she wants all Louisiana Baptists to appreciate it as well.
As Louisiana Baptist director of womens missions and
ministry, Townsend has organized a Ministers Wives Appreciation Day for
Sept. 21. She said she hopes the emphasis becomes an annual event.
The intent of the emphasis is simple – express appreciation
to all ministers wives for their contributions and the use of their gifts
to help others.
“Why do it?” Townsend asks. “Because in Gal.
6, the Bible tells us to do good to all people, especially those who lead and
guide and nurture the household of faith. …
“Why do it? Because its good for the ministers
wife. … She doesnt get a lot of roses all the time.”
Townsend notes there are various types of ministers wives.
Some knew they were marrying a minister and gladly made that life choice. Others
grew into the choice after their husbands felt the call of God and left a former
career to enter the ministry. And some still are seeking to find their place
within their husbands call.
“All three of these need affirmation and encouragement,”
Townsend stressed.
To that end, the upcoming Ministers Wives Appreciation
Day provides an opportunity for churches to recognize all ministers wives
and acknowledge their uniqueness, she said. “Its real important that
we emphasize this is not just for pastors wives.
“Its for all ministers wives.”
Although the September 21 emphasis is sponsored by the state
Womens Missions and Ministry Division, the effort really is lay-led, Townsend
explained.
She said women in various churches have reported plans to honor
their ministers wives through special recognitions and appreciation meals
and such.
State leaders have offered a few suggestions as well. These
include:
Ask members of the congregation to write notes
of appreciation to ministers wives during Sunday School.
Recognize ministers wives in a special way
during the morning worship service on September 21. This may include presentation
of a corsage or the offering of a prayer of thanksgiving. It also could include
a “I love our ministers wife” video or some other gift of love.
Host a luncheon honoring the service and dedication
of ministers wives or treat them to a nice dinner. This could include
providing baby-sitting services.
Present each ministers wife with a gift certificate
to the Louisiana Baptist Ministers Wives Retreat, set for Oct. 17-18 at
Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center ion Woodworth. For gift certificate information,
persons may call (800) 622-6549, ext. 268 or 269.
A number of churches and church members are providing the $25
gift certificate to the retreat, Townsend noted.
The retreat is designed as a time of inspiration, relaxation
and fellowship, Townsend explained.
The Friday-Saturday schedule features speaker Dottie Hudson,
who spent many years as a ministers wife. It also features music by The
Bennetts and various small-group conferences.
Registration deadline is Oct. 7.
The retreat is one of several events planned by the state womens missions
and ministry office. Leaders currently are holding regional womens enrichment
events. In addition, Townsend is leading a monthly Bible study for young women
at Louisiana College in Pineville.