Cleveland, Tenn.–Last week The Helper gathered pastors, pastor’s spouses, and regional denominational leaders at WinShape Retreat Center for a time of prayer, strategic interaction, training, and commissioning. The Helper: A Genesis 2:18 Ministry hosted the retreat for training and equipping pastor’s wives to become covenant group leaders in their areas.

The Helper is a relational network that provides opportunity for ministry wives and women in ministry to live scripturally enriched and healthy lives evidenced by their joy, decreased resignations, loving relationships within their families, churches and communities, and enthusiasm for serving. The ministry is designed to pursue…

• Healing hope for those struggling with day-to-day challenges of ministry
• Edifying word offered in a variety of resources and settings
• Loving atmosphere to develop friendships with others
• Place for nurturing faith through retreats, life coaching, and ongoing dialogue

The retreat brought women from all over the country, bridging the gap of denomination and religious preference, for the ultimate purpose of launching covenant/relationship groups locally. The Helper contends that a pastor’s wife is one of the most overlooked, under-appreciated groups of people within the church. Kay Horner, Executive Director says, “The role of a pastor’s wife is completely subjective with no specific set of responsibilities. Expectations are as varied as the churches she serves and as numerable as the number of members in the congregation. Encouragement for these women is vital to the health of our churches.”

This highly relational time of training took place over two days in Mt. Berry, Georgia. The theme for the week was Order Our Steps, based on Psalm 37:23. Special guest speaker, Nichole Boggs with Real Momentum for Ladies, led participants through prayer moments for their spouses. Nichole shared that the foundation for success in the groups would be their personal devotion to Christ. Training and dialogue sessions included topics such as establishing group guidelines, understanding confidentiality and covenantal principles, and providing vital resources. The group celebrated together and shared personal challenges they face. They prayed for one another, took communion, and were anointed then commissioned to return to their communities and begin covenant groups.

The Helper expects to launch at least 25 new covenant groups by January 2016. Free online resources and monthly covenant connections will be vital to keeping the groups healthy and connected. In addition, a manual has been developed to help guide facilitators.

Brenda Gillum, a former pastor’s wife now serving with her husband as a regional leader, expressed the following about pastors’ wives: “Loneliness is the chief challenge. The walking wounded is what psychologist call us, but we will learn to listen, and appreciate silence, being comfortable with the uncomfortable as we care for one another.”

For more information about launching a covenant group in your area or other questions about The Helper: A Genesis 2:18 Ministry, please contact Kay Horner at khorner@awakeningamerica.us