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Abstract

Clergy wives occupy a unique informal role in the clergy and congregational system, though limited attention has been given to their experiences. This article aims to bring insight into the understudied experiences of clergy wives and fill gaps in knowledge about clergy wives’ roles and perspectives. Drawing on archival data of 549 clergy wives from the United States and Canada, collected October 2021 to January 2022, this article extends current knowledge about clergy wives’ sense of calling, the roles they have, the challenges they face, and the resources that support their well-being and resilience. Findings reveal a range of perspectives on calling, including a sense of calling to support their husband and be the primary person managing the children and home, while others expressed an individual sense of calling, and others a joint calling. Regarding their ministry role, many shared about filling ministry needs, while others saw their role as an involved member using their unique gifts. The primary challenges faced by clergy wives included unrealistic expectations and criticism, financial pressure, loneliness/isolation, and desire for recognition and support. Supports that clergy wives accessed for their well-being and resilience included spiritual resources, boundaries, and other resources.

Keywords

clergy assessment/functioning/selection marriage & family systems positive psychology psychology and the church or ministry

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Diverse Perspectives of Clergy Wives: Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of Ministry

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