Every pastor's family needs proven resources to encourage them along the way, to help them avoid the common pitfalls of ministry, or to guide through recovery from a crisis. Each of the products in this category offers valuable information that may be just right for you and your family! While we have taken great care in the evaluation and selection of these resources, Focus on the Family does not necessarily endorse the views that may be expressed by them. Note that several may now be out of print or no longer available. However, many of these may be found in a public or seminary library or from a colleague in ministry. Additional referrals may be available by calling our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at (877) 233-4455.

Beyond 'I Do'

Author(s): Douglas J. Brouwer
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: William B. Eerdmans, 2001

Beyond offering a contemporary theology of marriage, such perennially difficult subjects as power within a relationship, the role of love, the importance of spiritual compatibility, what divorce means and what the Bible says about being single are addressed. Ends by drawing on more than 20 years of experience as a church pastor to offer '10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Marriage.'

Building Hedges Around Your Marriage

Author(s): Jerry Jenkins
Product Format: CD
Guests: Jerry Jenkins

Explanations of the need to establish conscious boundaries in the areas of temptation, of the struggles of men (including pastors) with lust, and of the difference in the way the sexes lust.
Available from Focus on the Family (B00612D)
Retail price: $9

The Call to Love

Author(s): Linda Riley
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Tyndale, 2000

Through painfully honest stories from personal experience, Riley provides insight into practical aspects of love. A helpful tool especially for pastors' wives.

52 Dates for You and Your Mate

Author(s): Dave and Claudia Arp
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Thomas Nelson, 1993

Enrich your relationship and build years of special memories through creative dates with your mate. Suggestions include breakfast on a motorcycle, a formal dinner in the park and more.

For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men

Author(s): Shaunti Feldhahn
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Multnomah, 2004

Helpful guide to help women really understand the inner world of the men in their lives.
Available from Focus on the Family (P00235B)
Retail price: $15.00

Getting to Really Know Your Life-Mate-to-Be

Author(s): Bobb and Cheryl Biehl
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Masterplanning Group International, 1996

A great resource to help in premarital counseling.

Good Spousekeeping

Author(s): Dave Meurer
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Life Journey, 2004

In 35 short chapters, the author presents humorous stories and articles about marriage and family life that can be used as discussion starters, a unique devotional or simply enjoyable reading.

Happily Ever After

Product Format: CD
Guests: Les and Leslie Parrott, Clifford and Joyce Penner, John and Kathleen Ottley and Gary and Barbara Rosberg with H.B. London Jr.

Cultivating a fulfilling marriage in the midst of ministry overload can be a challenge. On this edition of Pastor to Pastor, you'll hear H.B. London Jr. and his guest delve into the topic of the pastor's marriage and suggest ways to improve and strengthen this God-given relationship. (Click here for a full list of Pastor to Pastor titles.)
Available from Focus on the Family (F00080D)
Retail price: $10

His Needs, Her Needs: Finding Fulfillment in Your Marriage

Author(s): Willard F. Harley Jr.
Product Format: Booklet
Publisher/Copyright: Focus on the Family

The five most basic needs of men and women in marriage are identified and briefly described, with a list of ways the other spouse can help to meet these needs for his or her mate.

Intimate Issues: 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex

Author(s): Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: WaterBrook, 2001

Teaches wives about God's perspective on sex, offers a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing physical intimacy with their husbands, and enables them to conquer their inhibitions and fears.
Available from Focus on the Family (BD811)
Retail price: $19

Keeping Romance Alive

Product Format: CD
Guests: Scott Stanley, Dave and Claudia Arp, Bobb and Cheryl Biehl, Carole Mayhall, Gail Stevens and Carolyn Roper with H.B. London Jr.

A Pastor to Pastor look at the importance of romance in a pastor's marriage, offering strategies for fostering intimacy, the importance of romantic 'dates' and showing appreciation for your mate. (Click here for a full list of Pastor to Pastor titles.)
Available from Focus on the Family (F00503D)
Retail price: $10

Loneliness in Marriage (I, II)

Product Format: CD
Guests: Dennis and Barbara Rainey with James Dobson

Rainey's book, Staying Close, sets the stage for discussions on loneliness and isolation in marriage, the need for deep relationship and not just activity, emotional intimacy and ways to resolve conflict in marriage.
Available from Focus on the Family (CD164)
Retail price: $9

The Marriage Masterpiece

Author(s): Al Janssen
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Focus on the Family/Tyndale, 2001

Like a long-forgotten work of art, marriage is often undervalued and unappreciated, but beneath the dust and grime created by a culture that says to care only when it's convenient lies a masterpiece designed by God himself. Takes a fresh look at God's plan for marriage and his intent that it is to last a lifetime. Available with study guide.

The Marriage Mender

Author(s): Thomas A. Whiteman and Thomas G. Bartlett
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: NavPress

Provides the solution-based tools needed to begin rebuilding your marriage, recognizing that marriage is more than just finding the 'right' person. It's about working with your spouse through the natural stages of your marriage and growing into a loving, lifelong relationship.

Marriage Survival Skill 101 (I, II)

Author(s): Scott Stanley and Gary Smalley with James Dobson
Product Format: CD
Guests: Focus on the Family

A discussion on strategies of conflict resolution, based on Stanley's book, Fighting for Your Marriage.
Available from Focus on the Family (B00703D)
Retail price: $9

Marriage Takes More Than Love

Author(s): Jack and Carole Mayhall
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: NavPress

A strong marriage is built by making good choices. In a his-and-hers style, the Mayhalls show readers how to make the kind of choices in marriage that look out for the best interests of all three parties involved: you, your spouse and God.

Marriages Surviving the Mid-Life Crisis (I, II)

Product Format: Audiocassette
Guests: Jim and Sally Conway with James Dobson

The Conways describe five of the 10 traits surveyed couples said hold them together during hard times, and Jim relates his own mid-life crisis during his daughter's leg amputation.

Married Lovers, Married Friends

Author(s): Steve and Annie Chapman
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Bethany House, 2004

An update to a book that was originally published in 1989, the authors present 11 practical ways to keep romance in marriage with discussion questions provided.

Maximize Your Marriage

Author(s): B. Courtney McBath
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Creation House, 2002

This book — based upon biblical principles — offers many helpful tidbits.
Available from Focus on the Family (P00386B)
Retail price: $10

Never Alone

Author(s): David and Teresa Ferguson
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Tyndale, 2001

Marriage experts bare their hearts and show how God transformed their empty marriage into one in which they not only meet each other's needs, but also become vibrant partners with God in loving the way he loves.

New Life After Divorce

Author(s): Bill Butterworth
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: WaterBrook, 2005

A guide for coping with the pain of divorce by turning to God for forgiveness and healing, and by turning to others for support.

One Last Gasp: Breathing New Life into a Marriage that Appears D.O.A.

Author(s): Greg DeMarco
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Tate Publishing, 2004

Offers proven, down-to-earth solutions, and practical ideas for the marriage that seems to be headed for failure.

The Pastor's Marriage: For Better or Worse

Product Format: CD
Guests: Dennis Rainey, John Trent, Gary and Barbara Rosberg, Archibald Hart and Dave Carder with H.B. London Jr.

Pastor to Pastor addresses the intricate and unique aspects of a pastor's marriage and the difficulty of cultivating a healthy marital relationship in the 'fishbowl.' (Click here for a full list of Pastor to Pastor titles.)
Available from Focus on the Family (F00002PP)
Retail price: $10

Rebuilding a Marriage

Author(s): Gordon and Gail MacDonald
Product Format: Audiocassette
Guests: Gordon and Gail MacDonald

A candid discussion of the process of brokenness, repentance, forgiveness and restoration. Exposes the common mistakes into which public ministers fall.

The Second Half of Marriage

Author(s): David and Claudia Arp
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Zondervan, 1998

The nest is empty? See what's in store for the second half of your marriage. Grow closer as a couple and find new meaning together during this very special time in your lives.
Available from Focus on the Family (BP448)
Retail price: $13

The Secrets of a Lasting Marriage

Author(s): H. Norman Wright
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Regal, 1995

Whether you are just beginning your life together or are well into the second half of your marriage, you can have a love that will last--one that is satisfying, intimate, romantic and enjoyable.

Staying Close

Author(s): Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Word, 2003

This discussion of both isolation and intimacy in marriage stresses the importance of each spouse staying sensitive to the other's needs.

Traits of a Lasting Marriage

Author(s): Jim and Sally Conway
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Tyndale, 2001

A great resource for those who are looking for help in dealing with the rough spots in their marriage relationship or for those just trying to enhance its strength.

Transitions and Terminations

Product Format: Audiocassette
Guests: Ray and Anne Ortlund, Gordon and Gail MacDonald, Louis and Melissa McBurney with H.B. London Jr.

Pastor to Pastor provides insight to those facing unique challenges, ranging from forced resignations and ministry transitions to spiritual exhaustion and unattainable expectations. (Click here for a full list of Pastor to Pastor titles.)
Available from Focus on the Family (PC93B)
Retail price: $10

The Two Sides of Love

Author(s): Gary Smalley and John Trent
Product Format: Book
Publisher/Copyright: Focus on the Family

Learn to balance the hard and soft sides of love and gain the key to healthy, fulfilling and rewarding relationships. Includes a 12-session study guide.
Available from Focus on the Family (F00229B)
Retail price: $8

When Your Marriage Needs Help: You Are Not Alone

Author(s): Mitch Temple
Product Format: Booklet
Publisher/Copyright: Focus on the Family, 2006

Practical steps for solving marriage conflict.
Available from Focus on the Family (F00700T)
Retail price: $3.00