The Power of the ONE – Part 1

“….I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

Joshua 1:5

Ministry can be lonely, and being a ministry wife can indeed be lonely. Why is this? Aren’t we surrounded by many people? Don’t we live in a world that lets us stay connected continuously? Don’t we have a church full of women who could be our friends? You know the answers if you are reading this and are a ministry wife. There are countless reasons for loneliness in the ministry. You, my sister, are not alone. Let’s look at the reasons and then explore ways to overcome and connect with other like-minded women.

Some of the reasons for our loneliness are:

1. Unrealistic Expectations

• Pressure to be Perfect: Ministry wives are often expected to exemplify a model Christian life, placing immense pressure on them to appear flawless. This can make it hard to be authentic or vulnerable.
• Role Expectations: Many assume ministry wives will be heavily involved in church activities, even when it may not align with their gifts, calling, or availability.

2. Lack of Authentic Relationships

• Difficulty Trusting Others: Due to their proximity to church leadership, ministry wives may struggle to find safe spaces to share their struggles without fear of gossip or judgment.
• Feeling Isolated in Leadership: Being in a leadership position can create a sense of separation from other congregation members.

3. The Burden of Confidentiality

Ministry wives often carry knowledge of sensitive issues within the church or their family that they can’t share, even with close friends. This secrecy can create a barrier to open communication and emotional connection.

The above are just a few reasons. Next week, we will discuss a few more reasons for our loneliness and then steps to overcome it. 

In 1969, the band Three Dog Night recorded a song by Harry Nilson. As a teen, I remember singing this song over and over. The chorus would play like a broken record in my head. It went like this: 

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest

(Number) One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do

ONE…That number is daunting to me. It is either very, very powerful, or super, super lonely. Loneliness is a pandemic in North America—not just in ministry. God created us for community and human connection. The Wall Street Journal addressed the issue of Americans and our loneliness in November 2013. The Director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago estimates that some 40% of Americans are lonely, up from 20% in the 1980s. 

But you don’t have to be alone to be lonely. Loneliness can be a feeling of separation or a lack of connection with the people you are associated with. It can lead to desperation and even depression, along with a whole long list of other nasty emotions. Let’s bring it into the light of God’s Word and get God’s take on this pandemic emotion.  

Today, the first step is acknowledging loneliness as a feeling, not a FACT. 

Boldly take the stand and declare you are not alone as a believer. Lean hard on the Truth of God’s Word. 

Trust the Lord through His Word and hide HIS truth in your heart. Take Him at His Word. Believe that He will take care of you. Don’t live your life through your social media. TURN off your phone, computer, or tablet and engage another like-minded individual. Have coffee, lunch, prayer time, or Bible Study with another ministry woman. You can do it! Muster up some courage and reach out to someone today.

Sign up for a Refresh Retreat and commit to connecting with other like-minded women in 2025.

(This post is adapted from a new devotional to launch in the Spring of 2025! – “Living in the Overflow!”)