The Pain of Suffering in Silence with Rodetta Cook

What happens when the people you’ve given your life to serve turn on you? 

In this raw and redemptive episode, Robby Bolden sits down with Rodetta Cook, co-founder of Care for Pastors, to talk about the often unseen and unspoken pain many pastors’ wives endure in ministry. Rodetta vulnerably shares her story: how she experienced decades of hostility, betrayal, and spiritual trauma, and how God used those painful seasons to shape her faith, calling, and purpose.

From unpaid early ministry roles to a devastating attempted church takeover, Rodetta’s journey is marked by tears, surrender, and God’s unfailing grace. With authenticity and wisdom, she offers hope to other ministry spouses who are quietly walking through their own valleys.

If you’ve ever felt alone, unseen, or hurt in the shadows of ministry, this episode will remind you that God sees, heals, and redeems.

This conversation explores:

• The unspoken weight and wounds pastors’ spouses often carry
• How to surrender unmet desires and find purpose in pain
• The spiritual and emotional toll of ministry betrayal
• Importance of Scripture and worship in seasons of trauma
• How community and safe spaces are essential for healing
• The origin and impact of The Confidante, a support group for pastors’ wives
• Stewarding your pain to help others heal

Resources mentioned on the episode:

Care for Pastors

The Confidante for Pastors’ Wives Private Facebook Group

Wounded by God’s People by Anne Graham Lotz

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio

“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” by Danny Gokey

If this conversation encouraged you or someone you love, share it. You never know who might need to hear they’re not alone. Be sure to subscribe to the Care for Pastors Podcast and leave a review to help others find this healing resource.

About our Guest:

Rodetta Cook has been a pastor’s wife for over 40 years. She and her husband, Ron, have actively served the Lord together in ministry during the entire time and are co-founders of Care for Pastors. She understands the expectations, loneliness, and how hard it is to find balance in ministry as a pastor’s wife. Rodetta also leads the pastors’ wives initiative at Care for Pastors called The Confidante and ministers to hundreds of wives each week. Besides leading The Confidante, she also manages the office and coordinates events for Care for Pastors.