Peran Istri Pendeta sebagai Penolong dan Rekan Sevisi dalam Misi Penggembalaan Jemaat

Abstract

The role of a pastor’s wife constitutes a strategic dimension of sustainable pastoral ministry; however, her role is still frequently constructed in a subordinate position as a supporter of her husband’s ministry. Such a perspective may result in role ambiguity, disproportionate ministry demands, and the marginalization of the wife’s identity, gifts, agency, and well-being. This study aims to construct a theological-pastoral understanding of the pastor’s wife as ezer kenegdo, an equal partner, and a co-visionary partner in congregational shepherding, while also formulating ministry-boundary principles oriented toward family sustainability. The study employs a qualitative approach using library research through intertextual analysis of biblical texts, pastoral theology literature, and empirical studies on the experiences of pastors’ wives. The findings indicate that the concept of ezer kenegdo affirms the wife’s equal dignity, voice, judgment, and agency within family life and ministry. Pastoral partnership is expressed through reciprocal spiritual, emotional, practical, and exemplary support, with ministry involvement determined by gifts, mutual agreement, context, and family capacity. This integrative model offers an equitable, contextual, participatory, and sustainable framework for pastoral partnership and church ministry governance.