The Pastor's Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love (Furman)

In this uplifting and often humorous book, Gloria Furman offers pastors’ wives a breath of fresh air, reminding readers that Christ stands ready to help regardless of the circumstance—whether it’s late-night counseling sessions, unrealistic expectations about how they spend their time, or complaints about their husbands’ preaching.

Filled with life-giving truth from God's Word, this book will help pastors’ wives joyfully treasure their Savior, love their husbands, and serve their churches.

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Loving the Chief Shepherd

1. “But You’re the Pastor’s Wife”
2. On Inheriting a Kingdom of Idols and Expectations
3. Stay Close to Your Shepherd, Little Sheep

Part 2: Loving an Under-Shepherd

4. On Doing Him Good (and Not Harm)
5. Undergirding the Overseer
6. So, You Married the Man Who Marries People

Part 3: Loving the Bride of Christ

7. What on Earth Is the Church?
8. Gifted to Give What God Has Given
9. Weakness Finders and Christ’s Sufficient
10. Strength for Service

Conclusion: Here Comes the Bridegroom!

Author

Gloria Furman is a wife, mother of four, doula, and writer. In 2008 her family moved to the Middle East to plant Redeemer Church of Dubai where her husband, Dave, serves as the pastor. She is the author of Glimpses of Grace, Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full, and The Pastor’s Wife, and blogs regularly at the Gospel Coalition and GloriaFurman.com.

Endorsements

“This book is a breath of fresh air, not because it’s personal (which it is), or because it’s practical (which it is), but because it is profoundly biblical. We found Gloria’s Scripture-saturated counsel to be eminently realistic and deeply encouraging. Her wit and wisdom will be good for the pastor and good for the pastor’s wife, which is good news for those in ministry and good news for the church.” - Kevin and Trisha DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan. Kevin and Trisha have been married for 12 years and have six children.

“Pastor’s wives are deep in the trenches of gospel work. We need biblical truths that meet us there and help us joyfully persevere. Gloria Furman has given us a rich, gospel-saturated resource, drawing our eyes away from any prescribed role and setting them on the one who really does the work.” - Christine Hoover, author, The Church Planting Wife and From Good to Grace

“Make no mistake: your role as a pastor’s wife is essential. Gloria reminds us all to first and foremost drink deeply from the living water of Jesus as we endeavor to humbly fulfill our calling to love our husbands and the body of Christ to whom we have been called.” - Jennifer Carter, wife of Matt Carter, Pastor of Preaching, Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas

“Gloria Furman has given the church a much-needed gift by addressing a group that is often neglected—the wives of pastors. With the power of the gospel, the clarity of Scripture, and personal insight, Gloria helps pastor’s wives to first draw near to Jesus as their greatest need and satisfaction, then to love and support their husbands, and finally to find a healthy place in the local church.” - Joe and Jen Thorn, author, Experiencing the Trinity and Note to Self; Lead Pastor, Redeemer Fellowship, St. Charles, Illinois; and his wife, Jen, blogger, jenthorn.com

“This book reminded me that when I’m weary, Christ’s strength sustains me; when I’m tempted to cave in to expectations, I’m free to love and please Christ above all. Whether you’re a pastor’s wife or military wife or door sweeper’s wife, this book will encourage you to plumb the riches of God’s grace to you in Christ.” - Kristie Anyabwile, wife of Thabiti Anyabwile, Assistant Pastor for Church Planting, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; mom of three; discipler of women

“Minister’s wives lead unique lives with a unique set of challenges. Gloria does a beautiful job of reminding us that our identity is in Christ and his redemptive blood, not in the way we serve or how much we do for Christ. I felt encouraged and spurred on in my walk with the Lord to look upward to Christ and not at my outward circumstances. This is a very helpful book for minister’s wives anywhere at any stage of life.” - Heather Platt, wife of David Platt, President, International Mission Board; author, Radical

“The pastor’s wife bears unusual responsibility. Though the Bible is completely silent about her role, churches tend to load her with unfair and unrealistic expectation. Gloria Furman brings both sense and hope, showing from the Bible what God does and does not expect from her. And because she looks constantly to the Bible, this is a book that transcends both time and culture. I happily commend this book to pastors, their wives, and their churches.” - Tim Challies, author, The Next Story; blogger, Challies.com

“Gloria Furman gives practical and godly advice to those who are already serving as a pastor’s wife as well as those who are just starting out. Many pastors’ wives feel the pressure to be a person they are not, wanting to be liked by everyone, or struggling with the juggle of family life and service. Gloria draws us to Scripture and back to our first love. The Pastor’s Wife will help you avoid pitfalls and inspire you to stay close to Jesus and to find your strength in him. It reminded me of all I value about being a pastor’s wife.” - Carrie Vibert, wife of Simon Vibert, Vice Principal and Director, The School of Preaching at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford