FENTON, MI – There are many demands on the time of not just Pastors, but their wives as well. Those demands can make if very difficult for them to just get away together for a few hours and focus on their own relationship. In the month of April, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) partnered with Lifeway to make that get away a little bit easier. They sponsored two “Pastor’s Date Night” events. One was held April 20th at the First Baptist Church of Dewitt in the Lansing area. The other was set at the Epicurean House in the Greater Detroit area.
Pastors and their wives were invited to enjoy a meal and childcare was provided. After the meal, a panel of seasoned, ministry couples took anonymous questions on such topics as; raising children in a ministry setting, when children rebel, romantic life, dating, balancing life and ministry, dealing with conflict, the wife’s calling, and emotional struggles like depression. The panel included; Dr. Tim Patterson, executive director of the BSCM and his wife, Sabrina, Billy and Laurie Walker and Mark and Janet Dance. The three couples transparently shared about the highs and lows of serving Christ in pastoral and church staff ministry. To top off the evening, Lifeway gave each husband and wife gift boxes worth $250.
One of the BSCM’s major priorities in strengthening churches, and keeping the marriages of Michigan Baptist leaders strong is an important way to achieve that goal. BSCM State Director of Evangelism, Mike Durbin said, “It was great to see Michigan Baptist pastors and wives connecting with each other.”