Clergy Spouse A Family Affair

The Reverend Doctors, Joey and Connie Shelton agree that a

Left to Right: Suzette May, Joey Shelton, Connie Shelton and Rosia Jackson stop to take a picture during the clergy spouse retreat.

recent gathering of the Mississippi United Methodist clergy spouses was filled with anticipation and joy. The Shelton's were the guest speakers for the two-day affair at the Pearl Holiday Inn at Trustmark on October 11-12, 2013. Together they planned their message for this group. The theme was "We Are Family." 

Joey, who is the senior pastor of Galloway UMC in Jackson shared that "We looked at Psalm 1 that we are like trees planted by streams of water which yields their fruit in its season. Through each season, we are called to care for our relationship with our spouse, others in ministry in our churches and God," he added.

"Often, we forget we are to care for our relationship with ourselves. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, yet we often do not have a deep sense to love ourselves in healthy ways," added Connie, the director of communications and connectional ministries for the Mississippi Conference. She and Joey have been married 26 years. 

This past August marked 38 years of being a clergy spouse for Suzette May who called the Shelton's message beautiful. "I like the way they play off each other--they made us laugh, and they gave us insight into family processes. Having a chance to talk to other clergy spouses you realize you are experiencing some of the same things," said May.  

Like May, Rosia Jackson, a clergy spouse of 33 years, has attended many of the spouse retreats. Her take away from this latest meeting is a message she's held close to her heart. "When you go into churches or when you are moving, be true to yourself and be who you are and let God lead you."