Deacon Wives: Fresh Ideas to Encourage Your Husband and the Church

by Diana Davis, Anonymous

In describing the qualities of a church deacon, the Bible also emphasizes the traits of his companion: “Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything” (1 Timothy 3:11). Yet for all the traditional deacon handbooks, less prevalent are those for a deacon’s wife.This warmhearted, conversational new book from “Fresh Ideas” syndicated columnist Diana Davis shares stories and insights for deacon wives whether just inaugurated or long experienced. The reader will enjoy tips on how to best encourage her husband’s work, the ministry of the pastor and his wife, and other church staff and members. There are also helpful home and family suggestions, self-evaluation forms and checklists, and even a detailed teaching plan to share this wealth of material with other women in the church

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Diana Davis was born in Fort Worth, Texas, graduated from Dallas Baptist University and Liberty Theological Seminary, and served as a pastor's wife for over thirty years. In Christian circles, she's known as the "idea lady," and her goal in life is to help Christians shine brightly for God.

Diana is a minister's wife, a popular speaker for Christian women's training and gatherings, and a prolific author and columnist. Her syndicated column, "Fresh Ideas," offers snippets of ideas for church leaders. It appears regularly in Baptist Press, Rick Warren's Pastors.com, and other Christian publications. She's also written regular feature articles for Let's Worship Magazine, Deacon Magazine and Open Windows.

Diana lives with her husband, Steve, in Pensacola, Florida.

Reviews

[Lisa Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, this was not a book that had anything to do with Mother, So Dear = Wake Forest University (alma mater, home of the Demon Deacons!). It was a book about serving my first and last love, Jesus.
Whether or not you are a deacon's wife, or a wife at all, this book will encourage you to be a better, more joyful and productive Christian servant. In all of my many shortcomings and imperfections, I needed this book and wish I had read it years ago. Although this book is written specifically for women, men will benefit from reading it, as well. Readers may find it a little old-fashioned and "frou-frou" but I found it godly, scripture-based, and encouraging.
Have a joyful and productive day, friends, and choose carefully which master you will serve. :)

[Cassie Trapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would say about 3/4 of the book had helpful, convicting, practical, and useful wisdom about how to love your husband and your church well as a deacon wife. I read many wonderful and weighty takeaways that have added more direction to my role as a part of leadership at our local church. However, the other 1/4 of the book was a little too conservative/legalistic compared to what I'm used to in my Christian circles. Overall, this would probably not be my first choice in book reccomendations for women looking to support their husbands in leadership or women looking to learn how to better care for the members of their local church. But I would still say it's a helpful book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is encouraging and refreshing! My role in the church has changed so much over the last 29 years. After taking a year off to care for my mother before her passing, I feel lost in our sudden thriving church. So many new faces. I'm trying to figure out my new place, where to fit. This book hits home when she talks about deacon wives saying, "I used to .." So many great ideas and encouragement to help me figure out what to do next.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is wonderful. It is filled with good and practical ideas for the ministry of being a deacons wife. I find it to be helpful for anyone involved in ministry in the local church

[Julie Winkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study!

[Lorraine Riedl · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there are some good thoughts in here, it is not what I had hoped for

[Daisy Rono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

This book was fun to read and it is full of useful practical tips for Deacon's wives. Removes the guesswork and gives guidance for Deacon's Wives.

[Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

super simple book, very easy to read. Can tell this is written from the generation before mine, but I was still able to appreciate many aspects. I think this is a book that women (despite if they're a deacon wife or not) can glean from.

[Jennifer Gelert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a deacon's wife for awhile now. Even so this book shared some new thoughts and ideas. It was good to see some things I have been doing but she shared so many other ways I can be supporting my husband, my pastor, my church.

This portion from the book really got my attention:

A popular topic for women today is learning to say "no". May I challenge you, instead, to say yes? Too many of us say yes to a myriad of trivial jobs that won't matter in eternity and say no to ministries where God has called us. These are Christian women who spend hours every week volunteering for worthy secular organizations or parachurch groups while their church is void of necessary workers. Yes, you should be involved in your community, but the church must be your top priority. Christ died for the church. The church is God's bride. She deserves our best efforts." Diana Davis

What an eye opener! I have had several people say to me I should say no more often and back down my involvement. I have slowly been saying no - but to thinks I know God does not want me involved in. I believe if more people would seek God and find their place in the church, I would not always be asked.

The biggest thing for me is to be constantly praying for my husband as he serves as a deacon. It can be a hard job and the best thing I can do for him is pray, encourage and support him. If you are a deacon's wife, I suggest you read this book.

[Kay Gouge · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we ever start a church book review club or group, I'd love to start with this book. Good tips for everyone really, not just deacon's wives.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good, practical read, even if you aren't a deacon's wife.