In today’s episode, Jen and AJ say hello to a very special guest: Keri Franks! 

She is a well-traveled mom of 3 from South Africa who has been in the ministry with her husband for almost 20 years. They currently live in the UAE  where her husband is the lead pastor of New Life Christian Church.

Tune in today to listen to a woman who navigates ministry life brilliantly.  This episode will give you a real dose of encouragement, offer powerful advice, and remind you of ways to nourish your soul as you cultivate your relationship with the Lord. 

Jen, AJ and Keri speak about the hidden, yet very important part of ministry: the support of your family. 

For Keri, what worked for her when traveling with her husband and 3 children was transparency. She always took the approach of honesty and transparency so that her family members could deal with change in a very honest way, making them feel part of the decision. 

The ladies discussed not only the support of our children and all the challenges that come with it but also the support to your husband in ministry. Wives are a vital part of upholding them and being the voice of encouragement. Most of the time, this is a ministry in the background that nobody ever sees, but it’s just as important as the front-facing part.

One of the ways to support husbands in ministry, according to Keri is:

-Remembering that they've desired to go into ministry and that is a good thing;

-Giving them that time and space that they need to prepare for the work God's called them to do.

-Be patient with their unpredictable shared goals. 

-Love them through times when they're feeling discouraged, being willing to lift them up. 

-Open up your home to support your ministry by being hospitable.

-Communicate with your husband to understand what he needs from you. 

When you feel discouraged, remember that we have been called into a privileged position!. 

Finally, one of the challenges-turned-blessings for Keri was that there's no passage in scripture that clearly defines what pastors’ wives are supposed to be doing. She thinks that the Lord showed real kindness in not giving a strict prescribed pattern of what pastor wives are supposed to do. 

“Do not find your greatest joy in the relationship with your husband or your ministry. Your greatest joys should come from your relationship with Christ and His Word because that's what will last forever.” - Keri Franks

Challenge

• Keri provided some really powerful pieces of advice for when we need to nourish our relationship with God. And we encourage you to do the same!  Find what nourishes your relationship with God and guard those activities intensely!

• Share this episode with someone who needs to hear the Ministry Series, because what she has to say comes from a heart of passion for God.