As a woman who serves in full-time vocational ministry I consistently talk with women who are broken and hurting. Marriages are struggling, women are gossiping, children are rebelling, sin is persisting…the list goes on. I consistently find myself thinking, “I just can’t keep up.” There are so many needs that I often come home at night feeling overwhelmed and confused about how to use my time most effectively for God’s kingdom.

And as much as I try to care for these women, I am constantly made aware that I am not enough. In the face of all the needs I crumble. I revert to the belief that my justification is somehow contingent upon my performance and influence in the lives of those around me. The guilt heaps on me like a ton of bricks.

But my response to these problems is sin. It is a direct result of not meditating on the gospel every single day. I need to be reminded that true and lasting hope rests in a Person and that person is not me. Jesus made this glaringly obvious: “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

This is the most freeing news my soul could hear and I need this reminder daily. Without it I find my heart is prone to revert back to my old ways. Rather than bringing others to the burden-lifter I try to usurp the role of God and carry the burden myself. This not only damages me but it also damages the church as a result.

Unfortunately, when I speak with other women who serve in ministry, I find that my struggles are not unique. The weight is very real and the needs are very great.

A few months ago my husband and I were talking about this common theme among ministry leaders. After spending a lot of time with women involved in ministry within our own church and among other churches throughout Orange County we recognize that this struggle is unfortunately all too common.

My husband has had the blessing of witnessing the fruit that comes from the TG4OC gatherings among the pastors in Orange County. I’ve always had the thought in the back of my mind that I would love to see something similar for pastors’ wives and ministry leaders.

Through a lot of thoughtful conversation and prayer my husband and I decided to explore that idea a bit more. We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting our first pastors’ wives and ministry leaders event this January.

The speaker for our first event will be Elyse Fitzpatrick. Elyse has written several books including, Because He Loves Me, Comforts From the Cross, and, most recently, Good News for Weary Women: Escaping the Bondage of To-Do Lists, Steps, and Bad Advice. Elyse has a huge heart for speaking into the weariness epidemic that has invaded our church communities and is committed to encouraging women everywhere to live a gospel-centered life.

I think we are in for a real treat! We hope you all can make it. Please go here for more details.