What is Kristine’s role?

Rightly or wrongly, a pastor’s wife bears a degree of scrutiny from a congregation. And while it may no longer be true (generally), there was a time when the pastor was a “two for one” deal.

Kristine is a long-term employee in the world of telecom and data centers. She works remotely, so her job can go with us wherever we’re called — and as you’ll hear in other parts of our story, “going where God calls us” is something she and I discussed in our first couple dates.

But that doesn’t mean she comes to run the kids’ ministry or something like that. She has a full-time gig (plus her own extracurricular studies).

To be clear, MY expectation of Kristine is no more and no less than any other parishioner.

I’d exhort her privately what I’d exhort every congregant publicly — that God’s call to follow Jesus is that a) your response to His mercy is one of sacrificial service and generosity, b) unity in community and c) using your Spirit-given gifts to love God and neighbor (including even your enemies).

Yes, we both realize (together) that congregants will place their own burdens and expectations on a pastor’s wife. That’s part of life in a church where the marks of culture and sin are present (which is all of them).

But generally speaking, this isn’t a two-for-one Blue Plate Special, per se.

My simple response is: What does the Bible call every single Christian to as a child of God, a disciple of Christ?

THAT is my one and only expectation of Kristine’s role along side me as a pastor. No more, no less.