#205: Pastors' Wives Trio Tell All on Church Stereotypes, Identity, Tattoos, Their Pod/Book

Run The Race

Pastors' wives have a lot of pressure on them. My first ever trio of guests on "Run The Race" (subscribe to it) know this all too well. These women in Columbus GA are now being very open about their lives, with humor and honesty, in a new book and on a podcast they've been hosting for the past 4 years. (3:28) Jessica Taylor, Jenna Allen and Stephanie Gilbert are focused on breaking down walls within the church and crushing pastors wifey stereotypes. They first chat with me about the struggles and joys of being in ministry and being married to a pastor. Are they expected to be perfect? What are some wins? What pressures do they face in their marriage and church? (10:44) There are also misconceptions about church leaders like them. All 3 of these moms and pastors' wives have tattoos. Reaction to those? They want to be themselves and ultimately see the church unified! (16:49) This trio created the brand "Pastors' Wives Tell All": https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/. That's the name of their book, released this year, and podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uYPezTHqopDVdwx8mA3tj. They talk about how and why they started the pod...teamwork with different gifts...being vulnerable and helping others have healing. Check them out on Instagram too. (24:14) The big message is: you are not alone. And they say the podcast is not just for people married for pastors, but anyone inside/outside the church, women, whoever doesn't feel like the fit in. And they have fun! (34:00) When I asked them about Identity... they asked, who are we without our job? And do we have to earn God's love? No. We talk about breaking down those titles to know who we are in Christ, and being grateful for where we are - including our family. (40:00) Along with some tidbits on what they do for fun and fitness...Stephanie, Jenna and Jessica describe what it was like being on TV for the 700 Club a few times and also releasing their book earlier this year! Each of them has 2-3 kids, and they're busier now with "Pastors' Wives Tell All," so being organized and saying NO to more things is crucial. What's next? They talk about a national conference they're speaking at in mid July...an Africa mission trip...retreats in other states this Fall...and a Pastors Wives cruise next year. (56:56) Stephanie closes us out in Prayer. I close the podcast in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.