Episode 1 · Season 1 · Help! I'm a Pastor's Wife

I Never Planned to Be a Pastor's Wife—Then This Happened

With Bukola Garuba

05/07/2026 · 36 min 59 sec

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I Never Planned to Be a Pastor's Wife—Then This Happened

About the Guest

Bukola Garuba

Bukola Garuba

Interviewer / Host Partner

Bukola Garuba is a long-standing confidante and ministry sister to Ruth Mateola. Having walked alongside Pastor Ruth for decades, she provides an intimate and grounded perspective on the Mateolas' early calling and family journey.

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In the premiere episode of Help! I'm a Pastor's Wife, host Ruth Mateola steps into the hot seat for an unfiltered interview conducted by her close friend Bukola Garuba. Pastor Ruth reflects on how being a pastor's wife was originally the last thing she ever prayed or planned for, unpacking the culture shock of transitioning from independent professional ambitions to full-time ministry leadership. The conversation dives deeply into the unseen emotional toll behind the public title—navigating deep loneliness, identity struggles, and the pressure to maintain an effortless image. Pastor Ruth shares practical, biblical principles on anchoring your marriage in Christ, prioritizing personal identity outside of church duties, and discovering God's grace in unexpected assignments.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritise your human and spiritual identity in God before taking on institutional church titles. • Flawless external appearances often mask deep isolation; honest vulnerability is essential for personal healing. • Guarding your marriage and family life is your primary ministry responsibility before serving the wider congregation.

Pastor's Wife Calling Ministry Identity Marriage in Ministry Spiritual Journey Faith & Leadership

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