by Kimm Harvey
One of the things we so enjoy around here is introducing our friends to one another. Wouldn't you agree that we have benefited from the affection, encouragement, example and exhortation of true friends? Through this "Introducing..." series we will periodically give you the opportunity to meet some amazing pastor's wives in Sovereign Grace. Since we can’t all sit at the kitchen table together, this blog will have to do! Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and come meet Jen!
Jen, as her friends call her, lives in Caerphilly, South Wales. She’s been married to Pete for 26 years and, together, they have raised three wonderful children (Ben, 23; Kate, 22; and Anna, 20). While he serves Sovereign Grace Ministries in our mission to train leaders, plant churches and preach the gospel in Asia, Europe and Africa, Jen serves the women of ChristChurch. And, did I mention, she has a perfect accent!!!
Born in Nottingham, England (yep! Robinhood’s hometown), Jen moved to South Wales with her family when she was young, which proved to be God’s providence as her neighbor began taking her and her brother, Steve, to a local church. At the age of 18, Jen first heard the gospel at a youth meeting and put her trust in the Lord through saving faith. Not two years later her future husband, the man who would steal her heart and take her breath away, walked into the same church and was saved that very week.
It wasn’t long after that they were married and together joined one of the fastest growing churches in the UK led by a well-known international leader. Pete was increasingly given more responsibilities in their new church. Soon, however, things changed in the church and the Greasley’s felt God had something different for them. A friend had given them a tape of a message spoken by CJ that resonated within their hearts. It was shortly after that they sensed God calling them to start a new church. That was years ago and today ChristChurch is a thriving local church with an amazing heart for the gospel to be brought to their community.
Jen loves being a pastor’s wife. In one of our conversations recently she shared this with me: “One of the things that I get to experience as a pastor’s wife is hearing the stories of so many different people in the church from so many different backgrounds. I get to see the grace of God draw people, change people, and keep them through the good times and the difficult times. God has given me a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Him and see His faithfulness through those who mean so much to me, my church family.”
“Overall I find very few things hard about being married to a pastor; the blessings far outweigh the difficulties. However, for many years answering the age old question, “What am I supposed to do?” perplexed me. For a long time I struggled with the misconception that the title "Pastor’s Wife" referred to my role, rather than my relationship as the wife of a pastor! My husband was a great means of grace to me as he reminded me that he is called to bear the overall pastoral responsibility for the ladies of Christchurch as well as the men. As his wife I have been called to help and support him as he does this. I now get to enjoy serving the ladies in our church in the context of helping him. Phew! I am so grateful for that clarification!”
While things continue to be busy at church, things on the home front have changed. These days’s Jen’s home is a little quieter—which she is still getting used to. But, when all the kids come around … it’s anything but quiet! Jen says, “My husband and children love to play music. I am the only non-musician in our family but we all love to sit around and carry on. Between Pete and the children, they sing, and play piano, guitar, bass, sax and flute. Most of the music I listen to in our home is ‘live.’”
In their spare time (what precious little they have), Pete and Jen pack up and head west to a wonderful “cottage” in West Wales they have lovingly restored. Some of her favorite times while there are sitting on the beach watching the sun go down with Pete or lingering over coffee in one of Wales’s many inviting garden shops. She also loves classic literature and a good cup of coffee, as she is one of those rare Brits that never gained any appreciation for the national beverage – tea.
One more thing I love about Jen that I want you all to know: because of Pete's ever growing responsibilities, she has been called upon to serve so much more than she ever dreamed – and in many ways she would not choose herself. She is a woman who has eagerly and intentionally applied the gospel to both her heart and the tasks that she has often felt were well beyond her gifting (and sometimes inclinations). She has done this with great faith and God has blessed her. Recently, Jen traveled with Pete to Germany and spent the entire trip sharing fellowship (through the help of a translator) with women who knew almost no English. Jen is quiet and unassuming (this is why we get along so well – I am NONE of those things – and she lets me do all the talking)– but because of her faith and willingness to step beyond herself she has had a HUGE impact on her family and the women around her. Spending time with Jen is to be inspired by her faith which embraces all that God has called her to. I thank God for this dear friend and the blessing her example has been to me and countless women.
Jen, on behalf of all of your new friends, it's nice to meet you!
