Although Bobbi Matthews grew up in a Catholic family in Pensacola, Fla., she embraced the Methodist Church when she met her husband Sam Matthews, senior minister of First United Methodist Church of Marietta.

“I love the open doors, open hearts, open minds (of the Methodist Church). I think it is a warm, loving church,” Bobbi Matthews said.

She met Sam when friends invited her to hear him speak at a church he previously pastored in Fayetteville. The Matthews have been at FUMC of Marietta for 10 years.

“I remember driving home to Peachtree City and really feeling uplifted,” Bobbi said.

A year later, Bobbi and Sam were introduced. The following year they married.

“People asked me before I married Sam if I knew what I was doing. It has been easy for me. He makes it easy for me,” she said.

“When I married him, I married Sam as a man. He is my husband and happens to be a minister,” Bobbi said.

The Marietta couple has three grown sons and five grandchildren.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for all ministers’ wives is the long hours they keep.

“His job is 24/7. He loves his job. My job is to support him and provide a warm, comfortable and peaceful home,” said Bobbi, a homemaker who enjoys gardening, yoga and reading.

Though her husband’s job is stressful, Bobbie said he has two wonderful associate ministers and competent staff at the church. “Everyone is in sync there.”

Bobbi has found in Sam what his congregation sees in him.

“People seem to really love Sam. He’s kind and so approachable. People feel comfortable with him. He has a great sense of humor and that really helps. He’s just a good man and people love him,” she said.

“I admire (Sam) so much because there are many joyful moments but he also confronts people who are sick and dying and have problems. I am completely in awe of his job. I admire all ministers and people who do this. It’s an amazing calling,” Bobbi said.