by Dupe Obot
I was at a ministry event recently, and when the man of God who was meant to speak was announced and he started to work to the podium I couldn’t tell for a long time whether the applause or even the worship song that was taken was directed at him or to God Himself. I left wondering if that is how I act as a PW when I am given the opportunity and while I told myself, that would not be me, I have not stopped thinking.
What is it that makes a man and woman of God appear greater than the God who has called them and yet they are not afraid to receive the accolades that only God should receive. The question I am sure you want to ask me is, how does one know which accolades are only due the Most High God and while I may not have a scientific measuring tape to show you, I do believe that when a man is offered the praise that is due only the God of heaven that man or woman should and ought to know.
No, I am not against appreciating and validating a vessel that God has used to bless mankind, of course they should be appreciated and validated after all, there are other vessels that are unto dishonour. However, will man that the place of God?
In the same vein, what makes a Pastor or his wife qualify to lead others? In these days where everyone is called of God and most of us have never served any other person or even undergone any form of training, what are the ethics of ministry? In all of leadership, people follow those who have affected their lives and people give those who have added value to them permission to lead them.
From where I sit, I am thinking that just because in your mind you received positional leadership and can yell orders doesn’t make you my leader. Especially in ministry, where it is not a job and I am not compelled to follow you for any reason. I am in the body to serve God and yes, I will serve God sometimes serving people, and yes, I may not be able to choose whom may be above me but can I quickly say that leadership is earned and never never commanded?
What is all this ranting about? As PWs, I have been looking again at how we deal with our people, and I thought to share that we are their Pastor’s Wife, we are not their God. While, I will not tolerate to be disrespected by those I lead, I am also not at liberty to be rude to them. From where I stand, being a PW isn’t an achievement, we didn’t go vying for the post, God in His wisdom even though I don’t understand why me; called us and gave us a people to nurture for Him.
I am a PW, and I don’t want to own anyone and you should not want to own me either.
The next time you want people to follow you, simply ask them to. Theocracy may be what they tell you at your meetings, but how about we try love.
My name is Dupe and I am a Pastor’s Wife.