Pastors' Wives Tell All
Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty and Humor
About
Let's get real.
The church leader's life isn't always pleasant--because you're not perfect (even if everyone expects you to be)! You've got your own life, your own personality, and your own struggles. And it's hard to be honest about all of that, let alone have a sense of humor about it.
The hosts of the popular podcast Pastors' Wives Tell All share your struggle to be your most authentic self while your life is being lived in front of the whole congregation. Addressing topics such as how to smash stereotypes, deal with marital issues, make friends, and overcome parenting anxiety, they remind you that God doesn't expect you to be superhuman. They show you how to
· establish and maintain healthy boundaries
· seek wise counsel
· confess your sins and shortcomings aloud
· shed the persona of perfection
· and much more
If you're a pastor's wife, ministry leader, or pastor, you'll find relief, renewal, and refreshment in the pages of this book.
"Being a woman in the spotlight at church is HARD. Your parenting, your marriage, even your clothes are under the microscope. And Jessica, Stephanie, and Jenna get it. They're like your funny best friends, cheering you on as you learn to put down the masks you're hiding behind, embrace authenticity (even if it makes tongues wag!), and find delight in serving God again."
Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue and founder of BareMarriage.com
Endorsements
"Being a woman in the spotlight at church is HARD. Your parenting, your marriage, even your clothes are under the microscope. And Jessica, Stephanie, and Jenna get it. They're like your funny best friends, cheering you on as you learn to put down the masks you're hiding behind, embrace authenticity (even if it makes tongues wag!), and find delight in serving God again."
Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue and founder of BareMarriage.com
"Stephanie, Jessica, and Jenna beautifully celebrate their roles as pastors' wives while reminding those who share this title that they are unique daughters of God with a story, a calling, and individual personality and style. Through personal testimonies woven with helpful tips and wisdom that can only be gleaned through life in the trenches with their beloved church families, my friends remind all pastors' wives it's okay to be human and struggle with the challenges of full-time ministry, and that even in their imperfections God will use them to feed and love His sheep. This is the book I wish my mom could have read as a pastor's wife, and one you will want to share with yours. Grab a tissue to catch your tears of laughter and relief. You aren't alone, dear pastors' wives, and you are so very loved."
Natalie Runion, founder of Raised to Stay and author of the US Today bestseller Raised to Stay
"You'd think growing up as a pastor's kid would have prepared me better for being a pastor's wife, but not so much. I'm always encouraged by the authenticity that oozes out of Stephanie, Jenna, and Jessica as they capture the hard, the holy, and the hilarious of this important but often unspoken role. Whether you are a pastor's wife or you know a pastor's wife, this book will encourage your soul, direct your prayers, and empower you to love God's church well."
Michelle Myers, cohost of the She Works His Way podcast, author, and speaker
"Pastors' Wives Tell All is a refreshing breath of honesty and humor that reminds us that even in the holiest of places, life can be wonderfully, delightfully human. This book is a warm hug from women who really believe and live out the truth that God never called us to be superhuman, no matter what our role or title may be. Each page speaks loudly of their resilience, their ability to find laughter in the pews, and their unwavering commitment to their faith and their families. In a world that can often feel isolating and demanding, Pastors' Wives Tell All will instantly make you feel as if you're sitting on the couch with your girlfriends and sipping a cup of coffee, all while learning how to live more wisely and love more deeply. With a lot of wisdom and a dash of wit, these remarkable women peel back the curtain, revealing the joys, quirks, and occasional chaos of being a pastor's wife. What a beautiful ride it is."
Lindsey Maestas, Christian speaker and host of the Living Easy with Lindsey podcast
"Pastors' Wives Tell All is a gift to ministry leaders who feel alone and to those in the congregation who could use a behind-the-scenes peek at the real struggles of their leaders. As a former pastor's kid, I am thankful the authors approach this subject authentically yet humorously. I will recommend this resource to ministry leaders from all walks of life in my counseling practice."
Rachael Gilbert, MMFT, owner of BBC Health, author, and host of Real Talk with Rachael
"If you are looking for a book for pastors' wives that's neatly tied in a bow, void of struggle, and maybe sounds good but is sanitized of real-life experience, THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK. Between these three women, they've seen it all. Despite being raised in the church, I had no clue the challenges I would sign up for when I married a lead pastor. For years, I have found deep encouragement from what they've learned the hard way. If you'd consider yourself anything but a stereotypical pastor's wife, this book will encourage you to keep going, remember where your identity lies, and never seek approval from the opinions of well-intentioned church members. God has called you to an important work, and Stephanie, Jenna, and Jessica will help you stay on mission (oh, and laugh a lot)!"
Rebecca George, author of Do the Thing and host of the Radical Radiance podcast
"Finally, a book that gets real and relatable about topics the church typically avoids. These pastors' wives are not preaching at you; they are getting deep in the muck with you. This book is a must-read if you want to laugh, cry, and feel empowered to keep chasing Jesus."
Christy Boulware, author of Nervous Breakthrough and founder and president of Fearless Unite
"Authentic and hilarious! This is comprehensive encouragement for every aspect of pastor's wife life. Stephanie, Jessica, and Jenna have woven together a book that's as seamless as their Instagram dance routines. If you're married to a man in ministry, this book will help you feel seen and understood in your unique role."
Heather Creekmore, pastor's wife, host of the Compared to Who? podcast, and author of The 40-Day Body Image Workbook
"My family has served in pastoral ministry for over twenty years, and I've witnessed how church leadership and ministry can be a lonely, confusing space to navigate. In Pastors' Wives Tell All, Stephanie, Jessica, and Jenna open a welcoming door into their hard-won wisdom and winsome stories. These pages offer a field manual of sorts, promising that none of us is really alone and this ministry road is not only possible to navigate but can be a place of growth, freedom, grace, and hope."
Carrie Stephens, author of Holy Guacamole and Friendship Can Save the World
The Authors
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Jenna Allen Stephanie Gilbert
Stephanie Gilbert is a blogger, speaker, and youth minister's wife who has made it her life's mission to seek out joy amid the junk of everyday life and lead other women (and teen girls) to passionately thrive in joy-filled lives too. She believes laughter is...
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Jenna Allen Jessica Taylor
Jessica Taylor is a speaker, nonprofit owner, and pastor's wife. She is a dynamic leader and creative who runs Come Away Missions and DO GOOD Project, a nonprofit serving the people of Rwanda, Africa. She sends multiple teams to Rwanda each year and empowers...
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Jenna Allen Jenna Allen
Jenna Allen is a creative, photographer, tech wiz, and discipleship/worship pastor's wife. She also specializes in business branding, logos, and website design. Through her perfectionism and keen eye for detail, she brings beauty and a clear message into every...
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