Welcome to S.W.I.F.T
(Seminary Wives In Fellowship and Training)
SWIFT exists to assist seminary wives during these days of “seminary life,” to prepare them for future ministries, individual and alongside their husbands. Our meetings primarily consist of Bible and book studies, special events, guest speaking engagements including panel discussions, lesson excerpts from Seminary classes, and informal gatherings to minister to you wherever you might be in this preparatory journey.
We realize that many “seminary wives” have full or part-time jobs, are usually highly
involved in a local church body, and fulfill many other roles, not the least of which are wife and/or mother. We want to provide times of encouragement and training to strengthen you through these current ministries for which you are responsible, and to better prepare you for future ones in which you will partake or perhaps even lead. Every seminary wife will find the diverse avenues this organization offers advantageous, regardless of her specific background. SWIFT’s focus and wellspring in all of this refining and encouragement is Jesus Christ, and our desire is to humbly submit to our part in the calling our heavenly Father has placed on each of our family’s lives.
Following are more detailed descriptions of SWIFT’s composition and opportunities.
Educational Opportunities…
It is our desire that the wives of seminary students have opportunities to grow in their own knowledge and understanding of theological and practical ministry issues. We will seek to provide sound, quality speakers and events that will promote the seminary wife in these areas. Student wives are also allowed to attend classes with their husbands free of charge. Please take advantage of this and see our “Childcare Network” section for more information on free childcare.
Leadership Opportunities…
It is our desire that the wives of seminary students grow in their ability to lead during the time their husband is a student. We seek to afford means to grow in leadership and
design events specializing in various areas such as “women’s ministries,” “counseling,” etc., arranging a personal mentor for the wife if she so chooses, and by providing opportunities for the women themselves to lead in the organization.
Bible Studies…
The purpose of our Bible studies is to provide regular spiritual encouragement through studying the Word of God together, and gaining exegetical knowledge to aid us in our leadership credibility. We spend portions of our time together praying, reading Scripture, studying a particular book of the Bible, book study (i.e. Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, etc.), or topic.
Prayer…
It is our desire that the wives of seminary students have a safe place where they can turn to bear one another’s burdens. We do not seek to have a “prayer chain,” but if there are pressing concerns in your families for which you would like prayer, please feel free to contact us. The Steering Committee will be the only people who see the prayer request and, if permission is noted in the email, the prayer request will be passed onto GTS faculty.
Childcare Network…
As members of SWIFT, we make ourselves available to each other so wives can audit their husbands’ classes. We seek to do this in a “swapping” fashion, but do not exclude a wife’s desire if there is not a current swap need. We want this to be available first to those that wish to take a class alongside their husband and second to those in need for other reasons. If you are interested in volunteering to provide childcare, or if you are interested in attending a class and are in need of assistance with childcare while you are in class, please email SWIFT. seminarywives@grace.edu
Community…
It is not just a buzzword for today. Wives of seminary students should able to find a true community of Christ-followers who will encourage them, stretch and challenge them, model for future, and most of all come alongside them to bring them closer to the Lord during their time in seminary. The Christian life was not meant to be lived alone, as Christ clearly modeled through His relationship with the disciples, or even to be lived just inside the four walls of our homes.
Remember also that just as God has called your husband to ministry, regardless of its nature, He also ordained that you would be your husband’s wife and therefore have an equally valuable role in serving Him through the ministry. Whether that specifically for you is being a supportive helpmeet, or pursuing your own ministry to enhance your husband’s, SWIFT provides assistance in cultivating the seeds God placed in us for His glory.
We look forward to joining us this semester, in whatever faculty you are able. Please contact us at…
seminarywives@grace.edu “SWIFT”on Facebook
