Love Everybody, Keep Your Mouth Shut, Don't Have an Opinion”: Role Expectations Among Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Spouses

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2017

Keywords

Pastor spouse, Clergy spouse, Congregational social work, Congregational life

Abstract

While many Christian church members and social workers would most likely agree that the role of the pastor’s spouse is central to church life, few are able to define exactly what the pastor spouse role entails. Examining the pastor spouse role from the perspective of the participant, this qualitative study identifies a number of defining elements associated with being a pastor spouse. These features include (a) providing emotional support for the pastor (her spouse); (b) conforming to particular standards of appearance; (c) being capable in specific ways such as music, hospitality, career; (d) attending church events; (e) being an example to others; (f) keeping quiet; and (g) doing things like or being like the former pastor’s spouse. This study provides a starting point for advocacy and future research for Christian social workers who are passionate about fostering a healthy congregational life.

Journal Title

Social Work and Christianity

Volume

44

Issue

3

First Page

94

Last Page

114

First Department

Discipleship and Religious Education

Second Department

Behavioral Sciences

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