Spouses of district superintendents in the United Methodist Church often feel a sense of isolation, according to a survey by the denominational board that supervises ministers.

Sylvia Corson, a California family counselor and wife of a former district superintendent, conducted the mail survey."Many spouses feel disconnected from the local church community" after their husbands or wives are chosen as district superintendents, Corson reported, and miss the clearer role they played as spouses of local pastors.

Superintendents are responsible for visiting all the congregations in their districts and thus are rarely able to worship with their families.

Given her findings, Corson recommended improved preparation and orientation for new superintendents to help with the transition.