Caring for Clergy Spouses

Hello Clergy and Clergy spouses of the MidSouth Annual Conference,

My name is Liz Chancey, and I am honored to be the wife of our Conference Superintendent, Todd Chancey. Todd and I have served in full-time ministry since 1988. Over the years, I have observed that clergy spouses can sometimes feel disconnected in ministry. In some cases, spouses do not even attend the church where their spouse serves. Hearing this has often broken my heart.

One spouse once shared with me, “When my spouse is not there, there is a piece of me missing.” Those words have stayed with me.

During last year’s Annual Conference, while praying in one of the worship services, I reflected on the words of Scripture: “The two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” (Gospel of Mark 10:8-9 NIV). I prayed, asking God to guide me in how I might serve in this new season of ministry. Almost immediately, I sensed a clear direction: “Care for the spouses.”

That moment reminded me that ministry is a shared calling. The Scripture also says, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Book of Genesis 2:24 NLT). While one spouse may serve in an official role, ministry affects and involves the entire family.

Yet the realities of ministry can be challenging. Life becomes busy with family responsibilities, children’s activities, work, and church commitments. In the midst of these demands, it can be easy for spouses to feel isolated or uncertain about where to turn for encouragement and support.

Recent research reflects these challenges. A 2022 study by Barna Group found that 42% of pastors have considered leaving ministry, citing stress, loneliness, and division as major factors. These pressures often affect the entire family, including spouses and children.

With this in mind, I began reaching out to clergy spouses across the MidSouth Annual Conference to explore ways we might build stronger connections. After gathering contact information and seeking input, we held our first Zoom gathering on March 5, 2026, with both a morning and evening meeting to accommodate different schedules.

During these conversations, several themes emerged. Spouses expressed a strong desire to:

• Build relationships with other clergy spouses across the conference.
• Create a safe and confidential space for encouragement and prayer.
• Form smaller groups for deeper connection.
• Use our existing Facebook group, MidSouth GMC Clergy Spouses, to share information more effectively and stay connected.

There was also significant excitement about hosting a Clergy Spouse Luncheon during this year’s Annual Conference. I have been working with Chris Howlett, our Conference Connectional Officer, to reserve time on Monday, June 8, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM for this gathering. It will be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and connection.

If you are a clergy spouse within the MidSouth Conference and would like to be included in future gatherings or communications, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at talkchancey@gmail.com and include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, the church where your spouse serves, your spouse’s name, and if you would like to be included in the morning or evening meeting on April 2nd or future Zooms.

If you are interested in attending the luncheon, please let me know as well. Once we have a final count, we will share details about catering and cost. I need this information no later than May 1st.

This is an exciting season in the life of our conference, and I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.

Blessings,
Liz Chancey