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Kristen Smith’s journey into ministry is anything but typical. She didn’t grow up in church, and neither she nor her husband were believers when they got married. But during a really difficult season in their marriage, everything changed. In a moment of complete surrender, Kristen cried out to God—and what followed was a powerful transformation in their lives, their marriage, and their faith.

Just a few years later, they’ve stepped into ministry together, now serving in a small town in Kansas. What’s so encouraging about Kristen’s story is that she didn’t feel ready or equipped—she simply chose to be obedient. And that’s where so many of us find ourselves too.

If you’ve ever felt unqualified or unsure in your role as a pastor’s wife, let this encourage you: God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for surrender. When we say yes to Him, even in our weakness, He equips us for exactly what He’s called us to do.

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN:

Email Kristen

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Survey for Pastors' Wives

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Ministry is sacred. It’s beautiful. It’s powerful.

But so is your marriage.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing practical encouragement about protecting your marriage in the middle of ministry life. Because if we’re not intentional, the very calling God placed on our lives can slowly begin to erode the covenant He gave us first.

Your marriage is not secondary to ministry.
It’s foundational to it.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure of leadership, the weight of expectations (spoken and unspoken), or the constant pull of being “on call,” this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why marriage must come before ministry
• The subtle ways ministry can overtake your relationship
• How to guard your time together (even in busy seasons)
• Becoming your husband’s safe place
• Setting healthy, biblical boundaries with the church
• Processing ministry challenges wisely
• Warning signs that ministry may be overtaking your marriage
• Why protecting your marriage is stewardship—not selfishness

4 Practical Ways to Protect Your Marriage

1. Guard Your Time Together

If you don’t schedule connection, it won’t happen.
Protect date nights, family dinners, vacations, and simple moments of laughter and conversation.

2. Be His Safe Place

Your husband carries a heavy leadership load. Let home feel like refuge—not evaluation. Ask how you can pray for him. Listen without always correcting. Protect tenderness and unity.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Not every request requires a yes.
Not every text requires an immediate response.
Boundaries are wisdom, not unspiritual.

4. Process Ministry Wisely

Guard confidentiality. Protect unity.
If you need to process something difficult, choose one mature, trusted, biblically grounded person—not an audience.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• You only talk about church
• You feel more like coworkers than companions
• You’re more patient with church members than with your husband
• Quiet resentment is growing

A Truth to Remember

Calling cannot replace covenant.

A healthy marriage strengthens ministry far more than constant availability ever will.

Protecting your marriage is not selfish.
It’s wise.
It’s biblical.
It’s necessary.

LINKS I MENTIONED:

Quiet Waters - Pastors Vacation Program

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Join the Private Facebook Community

The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

Be A Guest on The Pastor Wife Life

Go to the FAQ page to find out how you can be on an episode of the PWP. I promise - it's painless!

Send Jacque a text!

Life is hard, and rushing through it only causes us to miss what God is doing right in front of us. In this episode, Amanda Ball-Knight shares why staying present—especially in both joy and sadness—matters more than having life perfectly planned. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, embrace the moment God has you in, and learn to dwell fully in the life you’re living.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

Amanda on Facebook

CHECK OUT AMANDA'S BOOKS

Worship Notes & Activity Journal for Kids

Growing With Christ - a 30 Day Youth Prayer Journal

Magdalyn's Heart

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Join the Private Facebook Community

The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

Be A Guest on The Pastor Wife Life

Go to the FAQ page to find out how you can be on an episode of the PWP. I promise - it's painless!