The role of the pastor's wife in the church

I think that it all depends on the individual. Back in the old days, only men where pastors, that is old school. Nowadays, churches are more liberal as to who they allow to become pastors and ministers. Maybe that is why you say "I remember back in the days...", your recollections are correct. Women had no business on the pulpit back then. Now fast forward 2o years later. Many times pastors or men who are called to be pastors marry women who have the same calling. That is why you see both husband and wife being pastors. Male pastors now have an option to choose somebody who will pursue the same things as them and therefore have a better chance of staying married, I think. A woman who is not called to the same calling as her husband in that spiritual area, might not understand how much time it takes to be a pastor and might feel neglected. I hope i answered your question according to MY opinion.

I think it really depends on the church and how it's organized.

It really does depend upon the congregation .. if they called the pastor knowing his wife would be "co-pastor", then they knew what they were getting. Or, if the pastor and his wife started the church, and basically run it, then people have a decision to make .. stay with what is, or go elsewhere. It is better, overall, if the wife is more involved with her husband, because he will have less opportunity and less desire to slip up if an immoral situation presents itself. It is sad that too many pastors won't run from such situations, but tend to check it out from curiosity, then end up destroying their credibility and ministry. So, having the wife involved with him should help.