I first met Karen 11 years ago. We each had a daughter and an infant son and were fairly new to ministry life. Over the years, Karen has been a friend that I can talk with about anything. She exudes Christ’s love and grace in all of her relationships, and she is a loving and faithful pastor’s wife. I’m excited to share part of her story with you here.
Where did you grow up?
Answer: In Massachusetts, near Boston
How did where you grew up contribute to preparing you for life in small-town pastoral ministry?
Answer: I grew up going to a small church, and I think that’s what has helped me most to minister well in this community [in rural VT]. When you grow up in a small church, it becomes like an extended family. You know everyone, they know you, and they’re really invested in you personally. Having experienced that makes me want to provide that in our church community.
Where have you served in ministry?
Answer: Really just here in St. Albans, VT has been our only full-time post.
How did God bring you to a place of serving in small-town/rural ministry? Did you have any sort of “calling” in this? If so, describe the circumstances.
Answer: He brought me to it primarily through my husband. When I met Seth, I sensed right away that he was called to ministry, and that excited me. When I looked back over my life, it seemed God had been preparing me to serve for a long time.
When Seth and I got married, we decided to land in northern VT, where he grew up. He was teaching music, and I was working for public radio. We considered seminary, but wanted to pay off school loans first. While we were living in Vermont, we were attending Trinity Presbyterian; it felt like home, and we loved it. The pastor saw ministry potential in Seth, and they helped send us to seminary in St. Louis. We would send them updates and stay in communication with them regularly.
After Seth graduated, the senior pastor let us know he would be leaving and wondered if we would be interested in coming. As we prayed about it, we sensed the Lord calling us to the pastorate there.
Did you have any particular areas of ministry in which you served in your church and community and what led you to those decisions?
Answer: I teach the ladies’ Bible study and help to coordinate women’s events. I love using my seminary training to help women get excited about studying the Word. Another important aspect of our ministry is hospitality, getting to know people and letting them get to know us and our family. I think one of the most beautiful things about Christian fellowship is breathing life into each other, speaking grace and truth and love, especially in New England, where it can feel like a dry and weary land to live and minister in.
What has been one of your greatest challenges in this ministry context and how did you persevere in it? What did God teach you through it?
Answer: One of my biggest challenges has been learning to listen to the voice of God instead of the voice of men. I think pastors wives can be the recipients of much criticism and comment, and I keep having to come to the question, “Who am I before the Lord? Not “Who am I before… someone else?” I have to find my identity in Christ. I’m a natural people-pleaser, so that’s been hard for me.
I think another challenge for a ministry couple is to try to make time for each other that does not center around the church.
What has been one of your greatest blessings in this ministry context and how has that affected your perspective of small-town and rural ministry?
Answer: I think one of the greatest blessings has been watching my children grow up in a small church and seeing how loved they are and how much they love the church and the people. It’s given me more of an appreciation for small-town ministry. When we first started our ministry journey, I imagined us in a context with more resources and programs for our kids, but now I see the benefit of our kids having those close relationships.
If you could give a piece of advice to other rural and small-town pastors’ wives, what would it be and why?
Answer: Remember that your identity is first and foremost in Jesus. Remember how important living in community is, and don’t be afraid to be transparent. Sometimes as pastor’s wives we think we have to look or be a certain way, but we should be able to be transparent, honest, and humble.
