Valentine’s Day will be the catalyst for many sermons on love and marriage this Sunday. While many pastors will feel free to preach on God’s plan for marriage, many of the same men will be struggling with their own marriage. Let’s face it. It’s not easy to maintain a healthy marriage under the pressing demands of ministry.

The scripture is filled with references to marital relationships and principles on God’s plan for marriage. So the pastor-teacher has no problem finding truth to proclaim on the subject of marriage. Matching the "walk" with the "talk" is the challenge.

In a feature in the Biblical Recorder, Jim Henry, a seasoned pastor, and Matt Chewning, a young church planter, shared some of their personal struggles in this battle. Eddie Thompson underscored the marital tensions pastors face from his experience as a pastor and senior consultant with Marriage and Family Ministries, Baptist State Convention of N.C. I hope their transparency will bless ministers and encourage each one to make marriage a priority.

Let me suggest two practical resources. First, Caraway Conference Center has a cabin reserved for ministers to enjoy some "time away" with your wife. There’s no charge, so use it and bless your marriage! Call today, (336) 629-2374 or email them info@caraway.org to reserve your respite.

The second resource I want to recommend is a very comprehensive book on biblical marriage. Get a copy of Andreas Kostenberger’s book, God, Marriage and Family. Read it and be blessed!

Email me: editor@BRnow.org

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