Flourishing in Every Way

We only talk about the burdens or reasons why people don’t want to marry a pastor—often and sadly categorized as an immediate red flag.

Well, I’m here today to help shift that narrative and share one perk of being a pastor’s wife.

It is on-demand pastoral counsel.

For the average church member, receiving pastoral counsel usually looks something like this:

• First, you wonder if you should even reach out—knowing how busy your pastor is
• Then, you take the time to write and send a message
• When they’re able to respond, you work together to find a time to meet or talk
• If you’re lucky, you might catch them for a quick call

From the moment you realize you need counsel to the moment you actually receive it, it can take anywhere from one day to a week (hopefully not longer).

But for me, this is what it looks like.

It’s 12:30AM. We’re in the bathroom, brushing our teeth, casually catching up on the day. I share a passing thought out loud, and suddenly, I’m met with wise, thoughtful counsel from my husband. I didn’t even realize I needed it until it happened.

No scheduling, no waiting, no wondering.

Just an ordinary day, filled with ordinary conversation, met with counsel—on demand.

We live in a world where everything is instant and quickly accessible—literally just a few clicks away. And in a quiet, unexpected way, this is one of the instant perks I get to experience.

It’s not through google, not through ChatGPT, not even through a scheduled appointment.

But through my husband—a real person, my residential partner, and my forever teammate—speaking truth into my life in real-time.

This is everyday living for me. What a gift.