Our bootcamp conversation is what I thought of this week when I received this email:
My husband feels very called to church plant whereas I have a lot of doubts, fears, and sometimes just don’t want to. I know I should submit to my husband’s leadership, but I also hear that, when church planting, the wife needs to be just as on board.
Without a doubt, both a husband and a wife must be on board. The church planting wife is as vital to the health of the plant as the church planter. Because of this, there must be honest conversation between the two of you before you jump in.
If your husband wants to church plant, there are questions to ask yourself about him:
- Has he sought counsel from experienced church planters and/or mentors?
- Does he meet the qualifications of an elder?
- Can he embrace and execute the requirements of a church planting elder?
- Does he see difficult things through?
- Is he faithful in leading your marriage and your family?
You know the answers better than anyone else, and you have a responsibility to speak into his life if you have hesitations. You also have a responsibility, as his God-given wife, to affirm his calling and help him fulfill it, even if it’s something that scares you.
RELATED: How a Church Planter’s Spouse Overcame Bitterness
If he is the man for the job and God is leading both of you down this road, then there are questions you must ask yourself, about yourself:
- If you have hesitations, why?
- Are you informed about what church planting entails?
- Are you willing to sacrifice and serve in order to help your husband?
- Are your fears valid?
Generally, wives are fearful of the instability, insecurity and demands of church planting. I had fears and doubts too, otherwise it wouldn’t have been an act of faith. Fear is not a reason to hinder your husband from fulfilling his call. If God calls you to something, He will provide what you need. You must get on board, not because you are submitting to your husband, but because you are submitting to the Lord.
That is how you know: You ask Him with a heart to obey.
