This post is part of a series celebrating our pastors’ wives — godly women who play the role of shepherdesses in our lives, taking care of our shepherds and becoming like second mothers to so many of us. Today we’re talking to Sis. Diane Godair, pastor’s wife at World of Pentecost in Burlington, NC.
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Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today! Where are you a pastor’s wife, and how long have you been there?
We have been in Burlington, North Carolina, for 35 years.
What are some things you love about being a pastor’s wife?
The people! I loved breaking into a new field, a new city, and seeing lives changed. Currently, I am teaching a Bible study to three new converts.
Growing up, what did you imagine yourself doing with your life? Would you ever have imagined yourself being a pastor’s wife or where you are today?
No, I always knew I would be involved in the church, but not in this way.
If you could go back and give your teenaged self a piece of wisdom, what would that be?
Stay closely connected to your pastor and pastor’s wife. Don’t idolize them so much that you’re afraid to approach them.
What are some nuggets of wisdom you’d love to share with Apostolic young women?
Keep God first and make sure you have a relationship with Him. It does not matter if you are single or married, in ministry or laity. Trust in God to direct your steps.
What one piece of advice would you pass on to a new pastor’s wife?
Don’t try to please everybody else. Don’t add more stress to your role by trying to live up to everybody else’s expectations. Be in harmony with your spouse. Remember that he is the pastor and the reason that you are there. Trust him to answer to God for decisions he has to make.
Do you ever get tired or burned out from ministry? How do you handle that?
There are times where it can be overwhelming. When you give so much, you can be depleted. It is important to attend conferences and be refreshed, encouraged, and filled back up. “A dry well gives no water.”
Are there any successes, struggles, or defeats you’ve faced as a pastor’s wife that you feel our readers could learn from?
It was nerve-wracking for me to teach my first Bible study alone, but my husband insisted. Sometimes he has more confidence in me than I have in myself. There have been many successes and failures along the way, to know what each of those feels like now, but the successes have been so rewarding.
Are there any books you would recommend that you’ve found particularly helpful as a pastor’s wife?
I actually really like to collect quotes. They are a condensed version of a much bigger message. One in particular that has meant a lot to me when facing something daunting (i.e., public speaking, a new Bible study, etc.) is “Love God, love people, and do your best.” Another one I particularly like is, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” And one more … “Something doesn’t have to be perfect to be of value. Perfection paralyzes. Instead, aim for excellence.”
And now for a few fun questions! If you had a free day where you could do anything you wanted, what would that look like?
A quiet day with a good book, my journal or a notebook, my Bible, and hot tea in my favorite cup (lake view or fireplace optional).
Tell us a few of your favorite things!
I’m a bit of a hot tea connoisseur. Black tea, green tea, herbal tea; I love it all. I love reading and listening to audiobooks. I also really like history and often have to do that on my own time when traveling, because I take too long reading every historical marker I come across. When my husband and I travel to various cities, I often go on city tours alone to indulge my curiosity. Fortunately for me, my husband and I both like to eat at local mom-and-pop restaurants when we travel (instead of chain restaurants) to enjoy the local flavor. I love to explore new places.