The November issue of Christian Week featured an article entitled "The amazing, frustrating, fantastic, fulfilling, sot-so-private, lonely lives of pastors' wives." The article states that, "Most churches don't advertise for a pastor's wife. But many churches expect, when they hire a pastor, to get a package that includes a wife who will work diligently alongside her husband, without pay."

Making your family a priority can be difficult, but it is important. Here are practical ways to be a family person even though doing ministry work. Using the acrostic F-A-M-I-L-Y, these six qualities will assist you in building a high-caliber family in your home.

What can make being a minister's mate more of a joy than a burden?

Wanted: Adult female to serve without pay. Must be able to function without complaint as secretary, music director, nursery worker, janitor, auxiliary president and fund-raiser. On call 24 hours a day. Cooking abilities a plus. Good sense of humor helpful.

The stress couples face in ministry tears some marriages apart. But there are things you can do to make both your marriage and ministry successful.

Because of the cost of raising children and saving for retirement, ministers’ wives have joined the workforce.

Research about pastors' wives conveys both good news and bad news.

The last decade has been a time of critical change for minister’s wives. Some writers say the minister’s wife is a vanishing species. They argue that any position ending with the term “wife” is illegitimate; women should find their own thing and do it – not simply fill a role because they married a minister.

Some ministers and their families are swallowed by whales but most are nibbled to death by the minnows. Growing up in a pastor’s home and now married to one, I know the humor of that statement is sometimes superceded by the truth of it.

When I read Matthew 10:16, I just can't help but think that it was written to the minister's wife. "I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves." (CEV) I know Matthew did not specifically have us in mind as he wrote those words, but it really does verbalize the thoughts of many minister's wives as they drive to church each Sunday morning!