Honoring our church worker spouses

The wedding of Martin and Katie Luther. From Gustav Ferdinand Leopold König, The Life of Luther in Forty-Eight Historical Engravings, Concordia Publishing House, 1900. (Concordia Historical Institute)

By Eleonore Wagner

This month, on June 13, the church remembers the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora.

Also this month, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) honors church worker spouses, both for their support of their spouses who serve the church and for the ways they bless others through their own skills and gifts. Katie Luther’s life of service to Martin and to the church is a great example for all of us, but especially for those whose family members serve the church.

The Luthers met when Martin arranged for Katie’s escape, along with a few other nuns, from their convent. He then personally arranged their marriages into good homes, taking Katie as his own wife. Martin’s letters and the writings of their friends make it clear that Katie managed their home with great skill and joy: She kept track of their finances, oversaw a garden, prepared food and wine, and graciously hosted their near-constant stream of guests. She bore the primary responsibility for rearing the Luthers’ children and was Martin’s greatest supporter in every trial and success. She admired him for his work in the church even though it often led him away from home.

Spouses of church workers have been serving their spouses — and by extension, the church — in the same way ever since, whether that spouse is a pastor, deaconess, DCE, teacher, musician or other church worker. George Miller, whose wife, Patti, serves as deaconess at Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, Mo., says, “Being a servant in the church requires much patience, perseverance and prayer. The needs of God’s people can come at any time … day or night. The challenge [for the spouse] is being able to remain flexible when your spouse is suddenly called away.”

This flexibility allows for the people of God to be served. When church workers are supported at home, they are better able to serve the church. Miller goes on to highlight the greatest service he can provide for his wife: “As a spouse [of a worker], we continue to pray for and support our loved one in their vocation, giving thanks for their gifts being utilized in service to God’s people.”

God also richly blesses these spouses of church workers. Although the hardships are real, the gifts are abundant. “Our whole lives are shaped by theology,” says Glenda Mumme, whose husband, David, is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Waterville, Minn. From discussing Scripture at the dinner table to being able to ask questions about the readings and the week’s sermon, Mumme has found a much greater appreciation for theology through her marriage.

Potential church workers who have concerns about how their studies and vocation will affect their relationships should look to the Luthers for encouragement. Although they experienced struggle and hardship, Martin and Katie Luther strengthened each other and cheered each other. Together, they endured the plague, persecution and even the death of a child. Yet they also encouraged each other in God’s Word, raised children together with joy, and enjoyed God’s good gifts to them.

God invites His people to trust Him, and to trust that He provides for those who serve His church. Often, it is the church worker’s family who encourages him or her to pursue church work. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) has been sharing this message for years now, acknowledging the influence that we all have to motivate someone to consider church work. Certainly no family member has more ability to encourage and support a church worker than his or her spouse or future spouse. LCMS Worker Wellness provides resources for church worker families to care for one another as they serve their neighbor. Like Katie Luther, the church encourages church worker spouses to view church work as a blessing, and to uplift their spouses as they perform the most holy work of tending to Christ’s church.

Read more about Katharina von Bora.

Eleonore Wagner is a freelance writer in Minnesota.

Posted June 11, 2025