Pray for him constantly

Obtain Biblical materials

Listen to him when he wants to talk about church or congregants’ concerns

Gently try to tell him when a message could have been presented a little better

Give him other ideas about growing the church

These are just some of the ways the “First Lady” of The Well, Patricia Stewart Stith supports and encourages her husband. If the leader’s job is a tough one, imagine what it’s like for the person who stands beside- and often behind- that leader. Yet Lady Pat says, “I love being his helper and standing by his side…” It’s a world of busy Sundays and late nights at mid-week services, of music rehearsals and board meetings, but, she says, “I have to encourage myself and tell myself it’s not about me. I was put here on Earth to do Kingdom work.”

Lady Pat believes that loving God means obeying His word, and serving Him means helping and ministering to His people. What she loves about her church is that the Word is accessible and explained so everyone can understand. “There’s a sense of family.” In that family, no one person is more important than another, and “We respect each other.” While the ministries nearest to her heart are children’s church and drama, Lady Pat doesn’t mind standing in the gap in other areas when there’s a need. She’s thankful that God always gives her strength to do so. 

Now that she’s retired, Lady Pat spends a good deal of time each week with Liam and Levi, the youngest of her 5 grandchildren. When she’s at home, Lady Pat enjoys sewing and watching good movies, whether action, biblical, or drama. (If you’ve ever seen her extensive film collection, you’ll believe it!) She loves listening to great music, too. She’s a fabulous cook, as any of her past Thanksgiving guests can affirm. Sometimes, Lady Pat shared, she likes “just relaxing and doing nothing.” After a hectic week of grandmothering and ministering, it’s a well-earned rest.