FOR Yvonne Schroder there are two choices when it comes to your life partner – but only one right answer.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
She said from her perspective, a partner can be a bystander, or they can get involved.
“I chose to get involved and support my husband in the same way we do the parent role – together.
“It’s not a thing where I do the kids, and he does the ministry, we do all of life together.”
There is no separation between church and state in the Schroder household.
Well, there is a door down the main hallway, separating Jonathon’s office and the family home.
Because, unlike most churches in town, the New life Baptists don’t have a permanent building.
“Ministry isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle,” she said.
“It’s not a clock in, clock out, but you do have to set boundaries.”
Aside from being the love and supporter of her husband and home school teacher to their two daughters, Yvonne is also one of the women working behind the scenes.
“I always tell him ‘you scored when you married me’,” Yvonne said.
“I have a small arsenal of stuff I bring to the church, from my experience working in churches in America,” she said.
“It makes me happy to know that I can support my husband that way.”
As an active member among church communities her whole life, Yvonne has seen what happens when the support breaks down.
“I’ve seen wives of pastors become bitter and resentful towards the church as their partner struggles between the needs of the congregation and the needs of the family,” she said.
To keep the peace, Jonathon and Yvonne have devised an almost foolproof system.
“My way of dealing with it is saying ‘I’m coming along with you’, as well as setting time aside every Monday to talk about our marriage,” Yvonne said.
“It’s good to talk about what we have going on, our schedule, our expectations, and stress points.
“And then we talk about our marriage, how’s it going, how are we communicating, and how we support one another.”
Yvonne admitted the idea sounded a little strange at first, but she soon came to realise how well it worked.
“It means no issue can brew or fester because you’re talking about it next week,” she said.
Significant changes are happening in the Schroder household, and you can bet it is the focus of Monday conversations.
‘‘Jonathon recently took up a position as minister for a Wesleyan Methodist Church in Brisbane and we are under a lot of emotional stress with the move,”
Yvonne said. Moving to Brisbane is a complete shakeup for everyone.
Jonathon, who has spent all his life in Echuca, won’t be working from home, and neither will the kids.
“Home schooling was always a temporary thing, and we’ve already enrolled them in a school nearby,” she said. “It will be a great way for the kids to connect with others, but I will always protect my kids having time with their dad.
“I’m already making plans to have the kids visit Jonathon after school.”
Unclear what she wants to do yet, Yvonne is mulling over studying community justice or working parttime.
“That’s what’s so exciting about it; it’s the unknown,” she said.
“I do believe that the Lord is guiding us in his direction
“And I know it will help grow my husband’s strengths in his leadership and help our family solidify and become even closer.
“It’s not an audible voice or something written in stone. It’s an impression upon my heart.”
Meet the other powers behind the pulpit
Robert Lees: Echuca Moama Uniting Church
Sage Wiltshire: Epicentre Church
Sarah Hemmings, Christ Church Anglican