Pastor's Spouse Survey
25 Questions
We appreciate your time and honesty in completing this survey.
All answers are confidential and safe.
We do not know who is taking this survey. Again, thank you for your ministry and time given to this survey.
1.
How long have you and your spouse been in the ministry?
1-5 years
6-10 years
11-15 years
Over 15 years
2.
How long have you been a pastor at your current church?
1-5 years
6-10 years
11-15 years
Over 15 years
3.
Do you feel that your ministry and your spouse's ministry is making a difference at your church?
Yes
No
Unsure
4.
Do you gainfully employed outside of the church?
Yes
No
5.
Do you feel your denomination has prepared you and your family for the ministry?
Yes
No
6.
Has your denomination provided workshops or a confidential small group to discuss issues/concerns in your role as the spouse of the pastor?
Yes, I feel I have adequate support from my denomination.
Yes, but on a very limited basis.
No, I feel I do not have a confidential place to turn or support needed to meet ministry demands.
7.
Do you feel you are able to meet the demands that are placed on your ministry?
Yes
Yes, but it is a struggle at times.
No, it seems as if the demands are larger than what we are trying to accomplish.
8.
Do you have a close friend to confide and share your concerns or hurts?
Yes, I am blessed to have a friend(s). I feel they understand what I am going through and is supportive.
Yes, I have a friend(s) but limited on what I can share.
No, I do not have anyone close enough (outside of my spouse) that I can be myself, freely share my hurts/concerns, and know they understand what I am facing.
9.
Are you co-pastors? If so, does your church respect your role as a co-pastor?
Yes, We are co-pastors and our church respects this role.
Yes, we are co-pastors but our church does not fully respect my role as a co-pastor.
No, my spouse is the pastor. I serve an important supportive role in our ministry and church.
10.
Does your church support and respect your family time?
Yes, they support our family and encourage us to spend time together as a family.
Yes, they respect our position but the ministry does not allow us to have personal time with our family.
No, the demands of the ministry interferes with family time.
11.
How often do you take a vacation that is not tied to a denominational meeting or with relatives?
2 or more weeks each year.
1 week a year
We usually try to take a 2-3 day trip with my family as often as we can.
It is difficult to take a vacation due to ministry demands or for financial reasons.
12.
Do you feel the ministry has contributed to any marital problems?
Yes
No
13.
Do you feel your children have suffered as a result of your ministry?
Yes
No
14.
Do you feel your family has established balance between ministry and family time?
Yes, we are able to establish these boundaries and our church respects this.
No, but we are trying to establish a more consistent pattern for our family and church.
No, I feel that we give more time to the church than we do for our family.
15.
Have you ever felt betrayed by a church member?
Yes
No
16.
If so, How recent?
In the last 6 months
In the last year
Over 2 years
17.
Has the ministry caused a financial hardship on your family?
Yes
No
18.
What area do you need the most help? (You can answer more than once)
Financial help
Marital help
Help in ministry roles/duties
Education
Vacation
Medical
Improving self-esteem
19.
What areas do you wish your denomination would provide?
Financial planning
Marriage seminars
Education for lay leaders on how to become more involved to help the pastor's vision
Support and backing on church problems/issues
Feeling appreciated
20.
Would you attend a workshop especially designed for the pastor's spouse?
Yes
Unsure, want to make sure they are confidential and safe
No, I am receiving enough support and help
21.
Do you feel called into the ministry?
Yes
Yes, but in a different role from my spouse
No, I do not feel called
22.
If yes, did you feel called when your spouse started into the ministry?
I did not called when my spouse started their ministry
I did not feel called into the ministry until much later but was supportive of my spouse and their calling
This question does not apply to me
23.
Have you ever prayed that God would take you from the ministry?
Yes
Sometimes, but these are fleeting thoughts
No, I will always be called into the ministry
24.
What advice would you give a to someone just starting the ministry?
25.
Is there any other issues that you have faced as the spouse of a pastor that we should know? This may help us to help others?
