By Ashley Marschner

What does it look like to be a pastor’s wife in a church plant? In general, I think it can look very similar to the same role in an established congregation. But the specific forms it takes can be quite different.

For me personally, I view my role as two-fold. The first part is in my vocation as wife. In reference to the relationship between a wife and her husband, Proverbs 31:12 says, “She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” I am called to support my husband in his vocation, which, for us, means serving the church. This includes being a sounding board for ideas, a prayer partner, an encourager, and a keeper of our home and family. Working alongside him to care for the people that God brings our way. 

The second part is connected to my role as a layperson in the congregation. First Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I am to use the gifts that God has given me for his glory. In the past year this has largely meant hospitality, as we have hosted many families in our home to share a meal. This summer it also included planning several pop-up VBS events in parks around the Fargo-Moorhead area. Singing songs with the children that attend is a way to plant seeds in their hearts, and to shine the light of Jesus to them and to their parents. 

Along with the gifts that God has given me, I have also seen him use my interests to connect me with people in the community. I enjoy reading, and for the past nine months I have been part of a small book club through the public library. It’s been a great way to build relationships with a couple of ladies, while having lots of discussions touching on topics that include faith and pushing back against the current culture, all through the lens of books.

I have also met a number of other parents whenever I take my children to the park. These conversations by the swing set don’t always lead to a long-term connection, but some of them have, and I’m always amazed at the ways in which God works. His ways are far better than what I can think up on my own. 

The church plant setting can make my role look a bit different from others, as we actively pursue connection and relationship with the people in our community. But my general calling is still the same: to serve the Lord where he has placed me, both in my family and in the church.