5 minute read
WHEN ROLES ARE REVERSED
MINISTRY TO A PASTOR'S FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF NEED
God’ s call upon the pastor and his family is to minister to the congregation entrusted to their care. But what happens when the roles are reversed? Two pastor’s families recently found themselves in this scenario.
Jo Anny Russell was diagnosed with breast cancer that would lead to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Her husband, Brad Russell , serves as lead pastor, Old Powhatan Baptist Church in Powhatan, where she serves in the children’s ministry.
Jessica Smith has a long history of health challenges, including 23 years of living with a blood disorder, and more recently went through extensive cancer surgery. Her husband is Marco Smith , pastor at Matoaca Baptist Church in southwestern Chesterfield County where she is involved in the music and worship ministry.
Being on the receiving side of ministry
JoAnny Russell shared, “Being a pastor’s daughter and now pastor’s wife, people treat you differently. Not necessarily in a bad way, but as a strong and invincible caretaker. So, getting cancer shook our world. Now it is our family needing care. Cancer gave people a reason to care for us.”
Jessica Smith expressed, “I am a nurturer and ‘fixer’ by default. God has allowed me to journey through this life with a rare blood disorder that can never be ‘fixed.’ Its implications are disastrous and far-reaching. Throughout the past 23 years of living with a plethora of medical issues, I have longed for the Lord to ‘fix’ my health. I begged and pleaded with Him to take it away, citing that I could be so much more useful for His Kingdom if He would simply heal me. The Lord has shown me that He allows these things for His glory so that “in my weakness He is made strong.” He continually works miracles so that no medical professional can steal the glory that belongs to Him!”
When asked about the difficulty of being on the receiving end of ministry, Russell shared, “Being diagnosed with cancer has brought me so much more love and encouragement than I could fathom; blessings that would not have happened otherwise. Through most of my hardest days, I always had fresh flowers in my home and encouraging words from someone in the form of a card, text, phone call, app message, email, meals, gift cards, care packages, or thoughtful gifts.”
Smith reflected similarly, “The church has interceded for us. They have made us meals, sent cards, filled in for us when we could not be present at church, driven me to appointments, spent time with me so Marco could continue to do the ministry, and provided a listening ear.
Through the storm with God
When asked what the Lord has shown them through this journey, Russell replied with a list: “First, the prayer of the saints. Cancer helped me see the power of prayer and the gift of God to us in the form of the bride of Christ. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God answered the prayers of His people and I am extremely grateful. Secondly, I am closer to my husband. Cancer deepened our love and gave us the opportunity to live the “for better or worse” part of our marriage vows.
While Brad cares for the masses so well, He has walked with me every step of the way. Thirdly, I am better equipped to minister because I have a clearer understanding of being a Christian during a challenging season. I hope having walked this cancer journey will make me a more empathetic, compassionate, understanding, and encouraging pastor’s wife. Finally, cancer has given me the gift of reflection and gratitude. God has brought me more goodness and blessings than pain, and I know that He will continue to bring good from this.”
Smith described it this way, “The Lord has shown me that He allows these things for His glory so that ‘in my weakness He is made strong.’ He continually works miracles so that no medical professional can steal the glory that belongs to Him! He has gifted me with a superb support system of people who care deeply for me, who continue to step up in our times of need. They pray, encourage us, and challenge us to share the Gospel. They love us unconditionally, and walk through the fiery storms with us. I have learned that prayer is essential to thriving. My prayer life has grown by leaps and bounds. The Lord has shown me how He can move mountains when His church intercedes for one another!
For both pastors’ wives, God’s Word has ministered understanding to their minds, comfort for their souls, and healing to their bodies. Russell recalls reading Deuteronomy 23:5b, “…but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” Also, the Psalmist writes in 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”
The Church steps up
When the roles are reversed, the church steps up and ministers to their pastor and family.
Smith closed by saying, “Christ’s church is a beautiful family that has exemplified who He is. They have walked this journey with us, and we are so very thankful!”
