Pastors’ Spouses Meet at the Falls

Against the beautiful backdrop of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Thrive hosted its biennial Pastors' Wives Gathering in October 2024. The event brought together 46 women from across North America for a time of reflection, connection, and rejuvenation. While there are also male spouses of CRC pastors, they have declined to participate in this type of event in the past, so the retreat focuses only on pastors’ wives. 

The chosen theme for this year's conference was inspired by Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” This Scripture text served as a poignant reminder of God's unwavering presence with attendees in their unique roles of doing ministry alongside their spouses.

The gathering commenced with a warm welcome and an opening session that set the tone for the days ahead. The schedule was designed to balance structured sessions with free time, allowing participants to engage in organized activities, explore their surroundings, or take time for personal reflection. Sessions delved into topics that encouraged deep reflection and honest discussion, and attendees shared that they appreciated the safe environment created for sharing both positive experiences and the challenges they face in their unique roles. 

One participant remarked, “There were lots of in-depth points to think about and stories shared. I love that we talked about some hard stuff.”

Worship played a central role throughout the gathering. Collective singing and prayer fostered a sense of unity and spiritual renewal among the participants, as coming together in worship allowed them to connect on a deeper level beyond recognizing their diverse personal backgrounds or the geographical regions they came from. The event also provided a platform for sharing diverse journeys and bits of wisdom. Participants shared how they found solace in learning of both the commonalities and the unique aspects of each other’s experiences in ministry, and how this fostered a sense of solidarity and understanding.

Feedback from participants highlighted appreciation for a time of rest and retreat. Many of the women expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support.

Another attendee noted, “All ladies were there with an open heart to learn new things and enjoy the time with each other.”

Participants departed with strengthened bonds and a deeper understanding of their vital roles within their congregations.

“Thrive is committed to supporting pastors and their families as they discern and serve in the ministry God has called them to,” shared Lesli van Milligen, Thrive director and one of the facilitators at the gathering. “It was a joy to share space with these women and to provide well-deserved encouragement and appreciation for the invaluable ways they invest in the life and health of the church.” 

Registration for the upcoming Pastors Gathering, also being held in Niagara Falls, Ont., in October 2025, opens in May. All active and regional CRC pastors and chaplains are warmly invited to attend.