NMWC Our History
Finding Inspiration on Every Peak
The purpose of the National Ministers' Wives Conference is to encourage, which means to give support or confidence to hope; to enable, which means to make possible or to make one effective - to provide with the means; to enrich - which means to give greater importance, to give value, to add to the effectiveness- ministers' wives as each one finds and follows God-given directions in her relationships including herself, her husband, her children, her church family, and any others she may deal with in life. Through the conference, the minister's wife has an opportunity to fellowship with those of her peer group from whom she can learn coping skills to help her in her home congregation. The conference offers an opportunity to make new friends and create a bond that can last a lifetime. The minister's wife can be ministered to and gain the strength she needs for her personal growth.
In addition, the conference is designed to encourage each to keep holding on to an unchanging God no matter how rough the way may seem- to continue to press toward the mark of a higher calling until her Master calls her to receive her reward. Through the conference, the minister's wife can learn to value herself and what she does to become a more effective helpmate for her preacher husband. Then, her family and associates will rise up and praise her in the gates, and her Lord will say, "Well done, my child, well done
Our Story
by
Sister Shirley and Sister Mary
"The Ministers’ Wives Conference of the churches of Christ originated with a small group of ladies addressing concerns regarding ministers' wives throughout the country. Recognizing their support role in their husbands' ministries, they dedicated themselves to working toward that goal. To support one another and to develop a stronger communication network, several ladies in the Los Angeles area met in the home of Shirley Barclay on Saturday, December 8, 1989. The outcome of the meeting was the decision to move forward and invite all ministers’ wives in Los Angeles to attend a second meeting.
The second meeting was scheduled and held at Compton Avenue Church of Christ. The ministers' wives committee was formed, and the bonding of a strong support group emerged. Notices were sent out, phone calls were made, and letters encouraging our sisters to attend a national conference dedicated to the concerns of ministers' wives were written. The response was electrifying and very positive.