Don’t be fooled by the title of this podcast. Even if you’re not a pastor’s wife you’re gonna be glad you listened to this episode.

Like other “That’s Me” episodes I am chatting with a listener. And interspersed with our conversation, a mentor comes on and answers the listener’s questions.

Today, those two ladies, Mary Beth and Kathy Litton, are both pastor’s wives. In fact, Kathy is the NAMB National Director of Ministry to Pastor’s Wives. (In this episode you’ll hear a little of her hard story. . . of being a pastor’s wife, then widow, then how God unexpectedly brought her into the pastor’s wife role again). 

 Both women are wise leaders who share great thoughts on: friendships, vulnerability, mentors, and time commitments.

Have you ever wondered when to be authentic and when to keep info to yourself? How much of a situation to share with a friend? How to find a safe mentor, one who will give insight but not share your story with others?

Then this episode is for you.

ThatsMeMaryBethKathyEp111

This quote from Kathy helps answer the question of when to be transparent:

Vulnerability is a risk we take for a greater good.

Boom. If it’s not helpful, don’t put it out there.

And then Mary Beth shares this quote:

God has promised to supply all of your needs. What we don’t have now, we don’t need now. -Elisabeth Elliot

Now I needed to hear those words.

The episode ends with both women reminding us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all else will follow.

Sounds pretty God-centered to me.

Connect with Kathy Litton (& Flourish):

Site :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram

What we chat about:

MaryBeth’s Questions: 

    • How do you know when it’s appropriate to share a struggle and when to stay guarded?
    • Should a mentor come from within the church or should she go without one?
    • How should she handle wanting to be a part of a regular group of women but not wanting to lead the group?
    • What does it look like to have a friend in or outside the church when you are a pastor’s wife?

Kathy’s Answers: 

      • The unexpected road God has taken Kathy on, from Pastor’s wife to widow to Pastor’s wife again.
      • Discerning a church culture’s transparency and vulnerability.
      • How our maturity in leadership frees us from the burden of setting an example.
      • Vulnerability is a risk we take for the greater good.
      • Taking time to discern a safe person to be a mentor.
      • What makes a person a safe person.
      • The lack of available mentors.
      • Being willing to have friendships at different levels.
      • Look for friends in a variety of places, surrounding your interests.
      • Being aware of your capacity when evaluating taking on responsibilities.

Other topics we cover: 

      • Leaning on God to meet your needs.
      • Investing in the people who are in your life.

Links Mentioned:

  • Katie Orr — Hear about her 15 minute a day, inductive Bible Study method on Episode 101
  • Flourish –an equipping community for ministry wives
  • Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

How to listen to the podcast:

1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.

3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.