A Break from Building (Ministry Wives Retreat 2025)

We all need a break from building. And the ministry wife is no exception.

We need a break from the busyness that comes from being a ministry wife:

• Whether that’s caring for a husband
• Looking after young children
• Supporting teens
• Supporting ageing parents
• Time away from work.

Alongside juggling the unique demands of being married to the pastor, we all need a break from building.

Don’t get me wrong. Ministry life is simultaneously exhilarating and exhausting, wonderful and wearisome, an absolute joy and privilege as we labour for God’s kingdom, often in the background, always in the ordinary.

That’s why I added the Ministry Wives Retreat to our family planner, made suitable arrangements for being away, and packed my bag. While my family joked I was off on holiday!

A break from building

The conference indeed provided a break from building, with meals provided and no washing up waiting, we could enjoy a slower pace of life.

Set in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, The Hayes conference centre was the perfect backdrop.

Careful planning allowed us time to relax with a book, a drink, or a walk and a friend. And, as we took a break from the day-to-day building that takes place in our homes, families, and churches, we ourselves began to be built up.

Built up by God’s word

Through laughter and tears, we were built up by the book of Haggai.

With great clarity, Lizzy Smallwood applied God’s word to our ministry context as she urged us to consider, “What am I building?”

And as the Spirit worked in our hearts and minds we were challenged to “give careful thought to your ways…” (Haggai 1:5).

As Lizzy spurred us on to watch where we fix our eyes, her ministry experience shone through as she reminded us not to be discouraged by how things look but to keep building, trusting that God is greater than the job.

Built up by one another

Through laughter and tears, we were built up by one another.

Small group times provided the opportunity for a more intimate level of sharing, reflecting on the talks from Haggai, and praying together. There was no pressure, just a listening ear and ministry wives who understand. Women who have been running the race that little bit longer. Women who know the heartache and trials that come with serving the Lord in our context.

We are not alone. Whatever season of life and ministry you find yourself in, there was someone to talk to, someone to ask, and someone to pray with. And all the while we were led to the Master Builder:

‘As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood…’ (1 Peter 2:4-5).

And so, we’re back to building. I urge you to join us next year! As a first-timer, I’ll be adding it to our family planner once again: “Mum’s Holiday”.

Until then, we keep building.