Annual Gathering of Pastors’ Wives Presents Opportunity for Fellowship and Time in God’s Word

October 2025

The LCMS Northern Illinois District Annual Katie Conference was held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, Illinois. Each year, this is an opportunity for the District’s “Katies” (pastors’ wives and widows) to spend time together in fellowship and learning.

The morning began with light breakfast and conversation. In addition to teaching time, there was also opportunity to break up into smaller groups based on region in the NID. The hope was to encourage conversation with those who may live a bit closer to you geographically. The women were encouraged to consider meeting together more locally at the circuit or regional level on an ongoing basis in order to build friendship and community outside of this once-a-year event. NID President Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss was also able to visit with the attendees, bringing updates from the District and sharing his appreciation for the many roles a pastor’s wife plays, both in her congregations and in her home, but also as an encourager and supporter of her husband’s ministry.

This year, the planning committee invited Renee Gibbs, a speaker, teacher and encourager. She was a parish pastor’s wife for 10 years in western Oregon and then moved with her husband to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where he has taught for years. Renee has advanced degrees in theology and education, and during her time in St. Louis –and around the country at women’s retreats, she has taught various women’s classes and Bible studies.

The focus of Renee’s teaching was on the book of Ephesians, specifically about our roles as a child of God. These conversations were split over three sessions throughout the day. Several highlights of her teaching and subsequent discussions were were overheard in conversation and discussed in subsequent interviews: “I felt that her study was another good reminder for me to open my eyes and find my self-worth or self-esteem as a child of God, rather than in what I am able to accomplish in this life.” “One thing that has stuck with me from Renee’s study on Ephesians was a quote from Luther saying that we must drown the old man daily, because he is a very good swimmer (in reference to Ephesians 4:20-24).” “… I was appreciative of the way Renee discussed Ephesians 5:22-33, teaching about what submission really means and being vulnerable by providing examples from her own marriage.”

NIDnews.org was able to ask Renee about her thoughts on why an event such as The Katie is important. She shared, “While a pastor is the one ‘called’ to serve in the ministry, his wife plays a crucial role in supporting him… often the wives may feel isolated or discouraged in their unique roles. A gathering with other pastors’ wives lets them know they are not alone. These Katie retreats are important for three reasons: they offer a place where pastors’ wives can be in God’s Word together, they provide a safe space to encourage each other as they face challenges in the parish, plus, they provide opportunities for the women to make new friends, both young and old. Veteran pastors’ wives are especially able to listen to and share their wise love with other pastors’ wives.”

This sentiment was echoed by Sue Green, who serves as the District Services Coordinator for the LCMS Northern Illinois District. She has been involved in The Katie since the annual conference was restarted in 2017. “I’m a firm believer that our pastors don’t minister alone – that their spouses (if they have one) minister alongside them. Sometimes that’s a silent participation in the background, supporting him as his wife. Other times it’s very front-and-center participation. It’s important to me to remember that our married pastors serve in partnership with their families and the whole family should be supported.”

Roseann Wyeth, from Zion Lutheran Church in Bonfield, Illinois, serves as a Katie Coordinator and assisted in planning for the day’s events. She commented as well, “This event is so important for pastors’ wives/widows as a day to be recharged in the Lord, to reconnect with old friends, and make new friends. Connecting with women in similar situations builds a support network unlike other ones – women who understand the challenges and difficulties of walking in ministry.”

A large focus for the day is, of course, the study and learning centered on the Word of God. However, another welcomed aspect is the (sometimes rare) opportunity to connect (and reconnect) with other pastors’ wives/widows. Jennifer Nesbit, from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, Illinois shared, “One of the best moments of the day was when we had the regional breakaway. We were enjoying our conversation so much that it was hard to end it when the time was up. I am super excited about some upcoming local(ish) get-togethers with these wonderful women.” Conversation was abundant, and it was a joy to hear the ongoing chatter and laughter among this group of women.

Sue also shared, “It’s my prayer that through smaller gathering and The Annual Katie Conference, the pastors’ wives and widows of our District find a support system and potentially establish more frequent opportunities to meet and enjoy each other. The District is blessed with some awesome Katies! It’s also my prayer that many more Katies would feel welcome and participate in the Annual Katie Conference.”

We pray that friendship and community amongst these women continue to be built throughout the year. Plans for next year’s Annual Katie Conference are already underway. Stay tuned for a “save the date” and details of the event as they are available!

Thank you to the Katie Coordinators for planning this event and to the LCMS Northern Illinois District for supporting pastors’ wives and widows in this way!