How To Love An Influential Woman (By Andre Crompton)
My wife is the Senior Pastor of one of the largest African American mainline denomination churches in the country. I am in love with my wife and here are a few details to what that love looks like.
Loving an Influential Woman
I. Understand the Dream, Drive, and Determination
Understanding my wife’s dream is important. For me it was critical to understand how long this dream had been alive in my wife to fully understand the depth of importance to her. By understanding the dream I could better appreciate and prepare for the drive and sacrifice it takes to achieve that dream. The road toward her dream is often filled with obstacles and roadblocks. Through resolve, patience, faith, and love we are been able to navigate this course together.
II. Be supportive and get engaged
My wife once told me having my support was more important than anyone else because I knew the work and the struggle along the journey. For these reasons it was important for me to support my wife in ministry. I wanted her to know that she has a partner in labor and in love. I also found it key to get engaged in part of my wife’s dream. I have become integral to the men’s ministry, actively participate in the marriage enrichment ministry, and volunteer as a mentor for our youth ministry. Engagement reminds my wife how important her dream is to me.
III. Hold your partner accountable for balance
Understanding the Dream, Drive and Determination was great. Becoming supportive and engaged behind the dream was important. However, the most important part of my love for my wife is to reinforce the importance of a balanced life. My wife is more than a pastor! She’s is a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter, a feminist, an activism, and community leader among other roles. She needs to be reminded the value of living a balanced life. Her ethos is one of grounded well balanced living. Through my love I remind her of that. I encourage her to foster friendships, and pursue other passions.
These three ways of loving my wife develops a deeper connection between us and provides a strong foundation on which she can continue to live out her passions and calling.