EDMOND—“Ladies, if you want to get through the tough seasons, be assured of your call.”
This was the message from one of the speakers at the 2017 Ministry Wives Weekend, Oct. 6-7. More than 200 ministers’ wives from 132 churches across the state
Ministry wives from Shawnee, Immanuel, including, from left, Jamy Fisher, Madisson Landreth, Shanda Henson and Kalyn Fullbright enjoyed the Ministry Wives Weekend.
Photos: Karen Kinnaird
gathered at Edmond, Henderson Hills. The theme of the weekend was based on Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the well-being of the city where I have sent you.”
“As a ministry wife myself, I look forward to this weekend every year,” Amy Cordova, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) women’s missions and ministries specialist said. “It’s one of my favorite events we do!”
Keynote speaker Kandi Gallaty, whose husband Robby pastors Nashville Tenn., Long Hollow, spoke from Jeremiah 29 and encouraged women to view their calling from a broader perspective.
“When He calls us to a church, He calls us to a city and community,” Gallaty said, challenging women to explore ways they can get involved in their communities. “God has called you to a place, and He’s been very specific in the call He has given you. You need to be as assured of the call to your church as you are assured of your call to ministry.”
Being absolutely certain of the call gets ministry wives through tough seasons. In order to thrive and survive, ministry wives must abide in God’s Word. Gallaty stated, “The greatest gift we can give our churches is our personal holiness.” The Gallatys co-authored “Foundations: A 260 Day Bible Reading Plan for Busy Believers,” and they both lead Replicate, a ministry that empowers believers to make disciples.
Misty Hall, wife of Shane Hall, pastor of Del City, First Southern, courageously shared the journey of her husband’s battle with cancer. “I love being a pastor’s wife,” Hall said at the beginning of her talk. “I love my life, and I love being married to Shane Hall.”
Weaving her story through a teaching on Psalm 136, Hall has learned to focus on God and rest in His peace. She emphasized that throughout their journey that have chosen to live lives of gratitude. “I just want to do this well,” she said. “When faced with a challenge, we must stop and be intentional, focus on His character and give Him thanks. We will give thanks and have joy.”
Hall said she and her family are trusting in God, knowing that He knows best.
Cordova shared her own journey as a ministry wife. Her husband Rick, worship pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, served behind the scenes of the event.
“Being a part of the Gospel message alongside my husband has been my greatest joy,” she confessed at the event. Cordova shared LifeWay statistics regarding ministry wives, noting that 60 percent of pastors’ wives say they have very few people they can confide in regarding difficult situations in their lives.
From left, Kaylie Mejia, Dru Drake and Melinda Rowan enjoy fellowship in making a craft.
“We’re not meant to do this life alone,” she noted and encouraged women to reach out and rely on each other for support. She emphasized the importance of protecting marriages and offered helpful advice.
Fellowship among women was cultivated by spending time making a craft, discussing designated topics and praying together. Worship was led by Eden Trentham, whose husband Brandon serves as children’s pastor of Broken Arrow, First.
Each woman received a copy of Kay Warren’s new book “Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor’s Wife.” Each chapter of the book will be discussed weekly on the BGCO Ministry Wives Facebook page. Ministry wives can also visit www.BGCOwomen.org for upcoming events.
“Over the weekend, friendships were built, and women were encouraged as we shared our hearts with one another,” Cordova said, describing the event. “Doing ministry alongside our husbands is one of the greatest gifts and joys. We want to serve our churches and communities well. I believe our Oklahoma ministry wives walked away encouraged and refreshed.”
