From Dreams to Reality: Ministry Wives Retreat

One clear outcome was the desire for an event that would enable them to withdraw from the busyness and intensity of church life, to be refreshed physically and spiritually.

Ten months later, God enabled that dream to start being realised as our first Ministry Wives’ Retreat began on a gloriously sunny afternoon in a beautiful Worcestershire village. We thank God that this is the kind of feedback we receive from those who have been able to join us:

“In lives often over-stretched by the needs and demands of others, taking time out for the retreat at the stunning Holland House Tudor mansion in rural Worcestershire was a real tonic.” Becca Jenkins reflecting on 2019’s retreat.

I am so thankful that FIEC has an ever-growing commitment to support, encourage, serve and invest in the women who faithfully support their husbands as they minister in our churches. The Retreat is one outworking of that commitment – another has been the appointment of Elinor Magowan, herself a ministry wife, to work alongside me and focus more intentionally on ministry wives.

Refreshment in ministry

I am thrilled and humbled when I look back and see the fruit from our Ministry Wives’ Retreats. That much-needed refreshment has certainly been provided through the ministry of God’s word; through small-group discussion, which also includes precious times of prayer; and through beautiful surroundings and good food.

But, as well as that, it has been a joy to see the establishing and deepening of ministry friendships across the generations and across the churches represented.

Ministry friendships are vitally important and are a key way in which the health of all our women in ministry can be sustained throughout the year. They help guard against isolation and loneliness, they provide an understanding listening ear, they are a means of exchanging ideas, they are a source of joy, they are mutually supportive, and they help keep us going.

Crucially, friendships that are ministry focused, like that of Paul and Timothy, are absolutely biblical.

If you are a married pastor reading this, why not encourage your wife to join us this year?

If you are a church leader, why not offer for the church to pay for your pastor’s wife to join us?