April 16, 2024
Mary Cox, Georgia Baptist Pastors Wives consultant, hosts a Facebook Live event from her kitchen. FRANK COX/Special
DULUTH — Over the last few weeks they’ve become homeschool teachers, lighting and video technicians, and counselors to both children and adults alike.
During a 10 a.m. online “prayer call” this Thursday, hosts Mary Cox and Kerri Hammond look forward to talking with ministers’ wives throughout the state walking the new world brought about by COVID-19.
“It’s going to be a time of encouragement,” said Cox, who serves as Georgia Baptist Pastors Wives consultant in Pastor Wellness. Hammond is the wife of Georgia Baptist Executive Director W. Thomas Hammond, Jr.
Participants can register for the event here.
Cox has been hosting gatherings for pastors’ wives on Thursday evenings through Facebook Live. “A lot of young moms are getting their kids to bed around then,” she said. “We talk about different ideas and things we’re doing in our churches, such as how to promote Easter and becoming homeschool moms. Many of them haven’t been in that last position before. The time together is very helpful to get input from others and share stories.”
With pastors doing more broadcasting from home, Cox said wives have had to become more adept at operating cameras and setting up lighting and background. And like their husbands, they are concerned over how to effectively help their congregation maintain contact during these days of social distance.
“Keeping people connected is a heavy burden shared by a pastor’s wife,” explained Cox, whose husband, Frank, serves as senior pastor of North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville.
“It's good for pastors’ wives to feel involved in what their husband is doing,” she added. “We love having them home but want to be creative in helping them continue to minister in their congregation.”
Over the last few weeks her Facebook Live events have also included discussions on how to make the most of the extra time at home. Those talks have brought new suggestions for family as well as quality time with husbands.
“Make plans; set goals,” Cox said. “Right now, you have your family’s undivided attention. Make use of that.”
