JEFFERSON CITY—The metaphor of a purse will be front and center Nov. 1 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach during the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Ministry Wives Task Force Luncheon.
The 12:30 p.m. luncheon, which is held in conjunction with the MBC annual meeting, will feature the theme “Purse-uit of Holiness,” which is patterned after the title of a book written by Pathway Columnist Rhonda Rhea, a minister’s wife from Troy. Rhea will be the guest speaker that day in the Crystal Ballroom.
“It’s a time to relax and fellowship,” said Cindy Taylor, president of the Ministry Wives Task Force. “It’s also a time to be inspired and be encouraged.”
Taylor said women can sometimes fall into the trap of overloading their purses as well as their spiritual lives.
“Sometimes we just need to keep it simple—prayer, Bible study, read good books, listen to good music, anything to keep our minds focused towards our Father,” she said.
Allison Steiner, a teacher and violinist from Second Baptist Church in Springfield, will be on hand along with a couple of other stringed musicians to play soothing music during the luncheon. The intent is for the women to leave realizing that their souls have been enriched and their ministries refreshed.
“I want them to realize they need to keep their focus on their focus,” Taylor said. “For ministers’ wives, God has put us there for a reason. It took me a long time to understand this. God didn’t allow us to marry the men that we married unless He wanted us there. He put us there in that spot to serve that man, to serve that minister. Sometimes we lose that focus.
“We get too busy in the church. We get too busy in other people’s problems, and therefore we get overwhelmed. Really God just wants us to serve our mate and to serve our family, I think. I’m not saying we should not serve others, but I’m just saying this is our main focus, and I think God will bless us with that.”
Rhea is married to Richard Rhea, the pastor of First Baptist Church, Troy. She is a radio personality who enjoys a recurring role on Focus on the Family’s “Weekend Magazine” program. Her popularity is evidenced by her more than 3,200 Facebook friends.
Rhea is also a humor columnist for publications in the United States, like The Pathway, and Canada. With her humorous style, she may choose to delve into the familiar topic of church members expecting minister’s wives to be perfect.
“Sometimes churches put upon us a lot more than we can give,” Taylor said. “We are who God created us to be. I mean, I’m not a pianist. How many pastor’s wives are the piano player, the music director, teach Sunday School, teach WMU, and go on the circuit? Not all of us can do that.”
Cost is $20 per registered person, which includes a free copy of the book that carries the luncheon’s theme. Women can also get in by paying $25 on site at the Ministry Wives Exhibit Booth. They also can register online at http://www.mobaptist.org/ministrywives.
Taylor is asking that women stop by the exhibit booth to buy tickets and to connect. Rhea has said she will be at the booth for a segment of time.
Taylor also noted that the term “minister’s wife” can include a wide variety of people such as minister of education, minister of worship, children’s minister and director of missions, to name a few.
ALLEN PALMERI/associate editor
apalmeri@mobaptist.org