A new season is beginning. The air is cooler, and the first quarter of Seminary is in the history books. The department stores are filling shelves with Christmas decorations. On the Seminary campuses, first-year students are finding their footing, while second-year guys are bonding together as they gain confidence and prepare for vicarage. Others have just returned from vicarage and are transitioning to student life again. Change is constantly in the air.
But what about the women? What does life at seminary look and feel like for them? Each wife arrives to campus with her own story. Sacrifices of a career, a hometown, a steady paycheck, friends, and family can make for a painful transition. But time at seminary can also be filled with spiritual growth and valuable relationships. So whether this is your first or final year at the seminary, open your hearts and consider these words of experience.
It is so obvious that we should spend time in prayer and reading the Bible, but I know how easy it can be to let the details of life overwhelm me to the point that I forfeit my time with God. Watch out for that temptation. Scriptures will speak words of forgiveness when you fail and peace when you are stressed, and will bring the Holy Spirit when you are lonely. Get involved in a small group Bible study to help you. There are several studies through the campus community, or you may be able to participate in one through your fieldwork church as well.
Your time at seminary is unique in that the ladies around you probably share similar struggles. There are many events that will help you connect with others. Whether it is a wine and cheese event or a game night, you’ll have many opportunities for fellowship.
Concordia Seminary St. Louis offers a “Big Sister, Litter Sister” program that helps to connect first-year wives to returning wives. Also, we are currently working on a new mentorship program that will connect seminarians’ wives to pastors’ wives that are serving in ministry. If you’re a pastor’s wife and you’re interested in this program, you can contact me, Celina Haupt, at Concordia Seminary.
Many of us think that seminary is a time when the men are training to become pastors. This is true, but whether we like it or not, that means the women will soon become pastors’ wives. Although this is not an official job, it does have an impact on your future. Use the time at seminary to learn and prepare. Take advantage of classes that will equip you for the challenges and transitions that you will face.
Between jobs, classes, friends, children, and daily stresses, it is easy to let your relationship with your husband go on the back burner. Satan would love for that to happen because if your marriage begins to crumble, your ministry will too. Don’t let that happen. Instead, strengthen your marriage by doing devotions together, having regular date nights, or even attending a marriage retreat.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12.
So wives, as you go through this school year, know that you are not alone. We are here to help you, pray for you, encourage you, and equip you for the journey ahead.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” Romans 15:13.
Find more encouragement for Christian women in Altogether Beautiful by Heidi Goehmann.