Elliot Ku

I’ve recently been involved in a lot of conversations about resilience in ministry. I need all the help I can get. And they’ve all been really helpful. 

But one area that I think is insufficiently discussed is the importance of the pastor’s spouse. It almost feels taboo – as if the pastor’s spouse is inconsequential to longevity in ministry. 

Yet when I ask more senior ministers the “secret” to their resilience and longevity, their consistent answer is “my spouse” which is closely followed by “my family”. 

That’s helpful. Because it is true that a pastor’s first priority is their family. But it’s also true that the family has incredible power to propel and sustain their ministry. 

So I want to honour my wife @sherilynch3n ! Her relentless encouragement and support, even in the midst of hardship and challenges in the home, has meant that we’ve by God’s grace persevered even when it was tempting to throw in the towel. 

She’s unafraid to challenge and also speak grace to my insecurities, confront and also be merciful to my weaknesses, while also loving and tending to my wounds. All this at great cost to herself. 

She’s also just the greatest mumma. 

Here’s a cheeky shot of our first dinner out without Anastasia! We were in Chatswood celebrating our cousin Jenaleen who just became a plastic surgery specialist (after 16 years)! Woohoo go Jen!

*originally published on Facebook on June 26, 2023