John Michael Clark is the pastor at Salt Church, a new church plant, on the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia. He and his wife Natalie have always had a good marriage, but several years ago, God made it clear that He had better for them. When John Michael started searching for answers on how to make his marriage great, he came up short. It seemed like no one could tell him exactly how to lead his family well. That’s why he started a ministry called The Family Captain.

Today, we’re talking to John Michael about why men don’t take responsibility for the leadership role in their homes, why filling that role is vital to marital and familial relationships, and what God has called us to do about it. Our conversation is an excellent resource for both men and women who want to grow their relationship with their spouses the way God intended. 

 

 

 

Links to Resources Mentioned or Related

Key Takeaways

1) Marriage is designed to point to God and His Kingdom. Our marriages should reflect Christ’s relationship with the church. As men, we must take ownership of our marriages and work diligently to create a place of protection for our wives.

2) When trying to improve your marriage, start with yourself. Believe in God’s design for household headship, lead yourself first, be a respectable man, and stop passing the buck of responsibility to your wife, your boss, the church, or society.

3) A wife isn’t built to be a husband. When your wife doesn’t have to fill her roles and yours, she has the freedom to rest, allowing her to be her best. 

4) You’re disqualified for ministry if you’re not leading your house well. Your marriage comes before your ministry. You’ve got to make your wife and your family a priority.

 

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