EXCLUSIVE TESTIMONY
Pastor's Wife. First Lady.
Janice Scott Sanders
First Lady, New Community Church
586 S. Columbia, Ave.,
Rincon, GA 31326
REAL TALK
As a young girl growing up in rural Salters, SC, I was taught that Sundays were the days set aside for
church. My mother ironed our clothes, did our hair, and cooked on Saturday nights. In those days,
we couldn’t wear jeans and t-shirts to church. We had to wear dresses, frill socks and “church”
shoes. I refer to my past because I was taught certain traditions growing up as a little girl.
As I reflect on my past as a teenager, I became a young mother one month before my 17th birthday.
As a mother for the first time, growing up in rural South Carolina, I was made to stand before the
congregation and apologize for my known sins. Fast forward a little, I married my boyfriend when I
turned 18, graduated high school, and moved to Florida. I was then introduced to the Holiness
Movement. I got saved at 21, but during those years, as I grew in my faith, I backslid.
In 2002 my husband’s employer moved our family to the Savannah, Ga area, and we joined the
Church of God Movement. My husband was ordained as a deacon, and soon after, he was ordained
as a minister. During that time, I was still partying on occasions and was just not totally committed
to the ministry. In due time, God stripped me of my partying ways and associates. I then
rededicated my life to Christ (Praise God). My life was forever changed when I re-established a
personal relationship with Christ.
In February 2010, my husband felt the push for pastoring his own church. It has been a roller
coaster journey being a young couple in ministry. As a young pastor’s wife and First Lady, my motto
is “Be yourself in the Lord.” So many times people put “pastors’ wives in boxes”, treating them as
though they are just a mere extension of pastors. The main box is the “how to dress box.” I learned
early on to establish my own style without offending others, because we are all unique individuals.
If I could encourage other young pastor’s wives with a final tip, I would simply say that ministry
begins at home. As the pastor’s primary source of earthly comfort, pray with and for him
constantly. You don’t have a comfort zone! Lead by example (trust me others are always watching).
You cannot wear your feelings on your shoulders as you support your husband in ministry.
Remember: we can have knowledge and understanding, but we need to apply wisdom as we lead in
supporting, building and uplifting the kingdom.
FAITH HEART MAGAZINE I 24