Married to a Reverend
Well, I'm married to a Reverend now. Rick was officilly ordained as a pastor on Sunday night, January 22nd. He was a little overwhelmed all week about this event that was all about him. But I did not really understand until the whole thing was over. You see, to be ordained is quite a process. He went through months of attending elders' meetings and being held accountable and being taught. Then when the leadership decided it was time to ordain him, he had to go through this ordination council meeting where other ordained men grill you about your theology. Then at the actual ordination service, a total of 5 charges were given by 5 different people all containing totally different important aspects of the pastorate that must be learned and followed. Then Rick had to speak at the ordination himself and in a way "convince" all those in attendance of his call to the ministry. Then at the end of the service hands are layed on him in prayer by all men attending who are also ordained. Many more charges (as well as encouragements) were included in these prayers. WOW! That's a lot to absorb. And amazingly, Rick breezed through it all with JOY! He actually like all this stuff and felt strengthened by everyone's words and empowered by the Holy Spirit while conveying his call. He must definitely be cut out for this thing. I'm really proud of him, and I really look forward to my new role as pastor's wife. I pray I can live up to what God wants me to be for Rick, so Rick can be what God wants him to be for Him.
A while back a close friend of mine asked if I would like to be ordained. At the time, it really did not matter to me, but after experiencing Rick's process, I think my answer is "no". Too much for me! Whew! (That whole women in ministry thing is touchy anyway...correct?) As long as I'm allowed to lead worship without HAVING to be Reverend Melissa, then I will joyfully continue to do so. One Reverend in our family is enough.
Please post your congrats to my precious husband that I'm so blessed to be married to here (as well as your thoughts about women in ministry...
).
Much love to everyone,
Melissa
rick & melissa wood
3 Comments
Reader Comments (3)
May the God of Abraham give you faith.
May the God of Isaac give you patience.
May the God of Jacob strengthen you to take hold of the journey.
May God, who is love, fill you with love and passion for all you are called to serve.
Yes, you have an important role to fill as a Pastor's wife. Its interesting you are 20 something and I am 50 -- both just now entering into this role. Hummm...it is a bit overwhelming to me as well, but may I offer this piece of advice from one Pastor's wife to another -- don't try to live up to anyone's expectations, or even your own, live up only to God's expectations of you. You and your family are in a fish bowl. People will have expectations on you -- but remember its not their expectations that you have to live up to. Do what you do -- for His honor and glory. Also, put God first, your husband and family second, and your ministry/church third. Don't be consumed by ministry and church that you don't leave time to be the wife & mother God has called you to be.
May you both continue to receive all that God has for you and your precious family.
Steph