Help! I’m Married to my Pastor (Book Review)

Jani Ortlund has been a pastor’s wife since 1975 and writes honestly, helpfully and warmly in this book. She is concerned that younger ministry wives begin well and those who are older continue to persevere through the challenges of ministry, but also that they delight in the partnership and calling in serving Christ and his church that they have along with their husbands.

Each chapter ends with a letter to the pastor so he can enter the mind and heart of his wife. These are not to be skipped over but should be shared with your husband as you read this book.

In the things that we all find difficult in ministry, Jani points us to Christ: the one who never forgets a name or lets people down, the one who sympathises with our weaknesses and calls us to draw near to his throne of grace with confidence - so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Jani is a great encourager: she writes with realism and gently suggests ways to overcome, or work with and through, ministry challenges - whether that be small children on a Sunday morning, older children needing careful protection or handling personal criticism from those in church.

Whatever the challenges, Jani underlines that sacrifice is worth it! “Let your life be a sacrifice to our king. He is worthy of any and all effort. He is no man’s debtor. You serve the one who will not overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do (Hebrews 6:10)”.

Jani provides tools for self-examination:

• Where can I make changes?
• How can I develop my own walk with the Lord?
• How can I really love and romance my husband?
• How can I help him if he is depressed?
• How can we work together for God’s glory?

This is not a long book but it is a book worth taking time to read. It finishes with scriptural prayers to pray for your husband - Jani encourages each ministry wife to be a woman of prayer.

Reading this book as a ministry wife, you will feel that an older woman has given you her time, her wisdom, her love, and her care. You will be humbled, helped, comforted, challenged and inspired to serve Jesus who is enough and who is worth it.

You can order Help! I’m Married to my Pastor from 10ofThose for £10.19 (RRP £11.99).