Encouraging Pastors’ Spouses

Caring for pastors’ spouses is something we deeply value at Thrive.
The life of ministry often affects the whole family, and pastors’ spouses faithfully walk alongside their loved ones in both the joys and challenges of ministry.

This page gathers guidance and resources to help councils, classes, pastors, and spouses support the spiritual health and well-being of pastoral spouses. We hope these resources encourage meaningful care that reflects the unique needs of each individual and community.

This resource page was developed in response to the Synod 2025 mandate encouraging churches and classes to support the spiritual care of pastoral spouses (Acts of Synod 2025, pp. 654–655).

For Councils

Encouraging Pastors’ Spouses: Council Edition

For Classes

Encouraging Pastors’ Spouses: Classes Edition

For Pastors

Encouraging Pastors’ Spouses: Pastor Edition

For Pastors' Spouses

Encouraging Pastors’ Spouses: Spouse Edition

Synod 2025 Mandate

“[E]ncourage the churches and classes to support the spiritual health of pastoral spouses through the following actions:

  1. Encourage each church to provide at least $500 each year for resources for the spiritual care of the pastoral spouses in their congregation. The best form of spiritual care would be determined by the pastoral spouse.

  2. Encourage classes to create a fund to help local churches who cannot afford the resources for the care of pastoral spouses.

  3. Direct regional pastors and church visitors to inquire after the health of pastoral spouses in their contacts with pastors and churches.

  4. Instruct the Office of General Secretary to curate further resources for how churches and classes can support the spiritual care of pastoral spouses.”

 (Acts of Synod 2025, pp. 654–655)