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The Pastor's Family: Shepherding Your Family through the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
Featuring insights from the perspective of both a pastor and his wife― The Pastor’s Family identifies the complicated burdens and expectations ministry brings to the life of a family. Brian and Cara Croft identify the unique challenges that pastors face as husbands and fathers. They also discuss the difficulties and joys of being a pastor’s wife and offer practical advice on raising children in a ministry family. In addition to addressing the challenges of marriage and raising children, they also highlight the joys of serving together as a family and the unique opportunities pastors have to train their children and lead their families. With discussion questions for use by couples and pastoral reading groups, this book is ideal for pastors and their spouses, pastoral ministry students and their wives, as well as elders, deacons, and others who wish to remain faithful to the care of their families while diligently fulfilling their calling in ministry. The Pastor’s Family equips pastors with time-tested wisdom to address the tension of family and congregational dynamics while persevering in their calling.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2013
66 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Brian Croft
67 books15 followersBrian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 16, 2021
O livro traz verdades conhecidas e necessárias para a vida da família do pastor. Porém, seu estilo pessoal é cativante e gentilmente confrontador.
May 19, 2023
When I picked up the book, the PRINT and PRODUCTION quality was trash—glitchy printing and small writing made it hard on my eyes—but the content was good. Encouraging.
The conversational tone of many of today's pastor-written books is great for sermons, but after reading so much of that tone in books, I am finding myself skimming a lot more. This book is an approachable book, but most pastors are readers and might find it a bit light. I don't particularly like heavy writing, but so many stories don't necessarily persuade me, either. I'm speaking in general terms even of bestselling secular authors like Adam Grant, Malcolm Gladwell, or the Heath brothers.
Craig Groeschel writes like a preacher, and Baptist authors like Paul Chappell and R. B. Ouellette do too. That's not a bad thing, but it means that these books often take a while to get to the point.
In THE PASTOR'S FAMILY, the author's personal life made the point completely relatable. I doubt there's a pastor alive who hasn't struggled in many of the same ways that he details. And the second section about the pastor's wife was equally relatable! The third section on children was, again, sparse, but helpful.
The book is a fairly simple approach to pastoring, and not devoted to any one area. It's not theological, it's not a marriage book, it's not a parenting book, it's not a book on dealing with critics... it's broad, and that is perhaps a negative to it. It's a good book with some good, general principles for pastors. It is not one I would hand out broadly, but a solid little help, unique because the author's wife, Cara, contributes throughout the pages.
The conversational tone of many of today's pastor-written books is great for sermons, but after reading so much of that tone in books, I am finding myself skimming a lot more. This book is an approachable book, but most pastors are readers and might find it a bit light. I don't particularly like heavy writing, but so many stories don't necessarily persuade me, either. I'm speaking in general terms even of bestselling secular authors like Adam Grant, Malcolm Gladwell, or the Heath brothers.
Craig Groeschel writes like a preacher, and Baptist authors like Paul Chappell and R. B. Ouellette do too. That's not a bad thing, but it means that these books often take a while to get to the point.
In THE PASTOR'S FAMILY, the author's personal life made the point completely relatable. I doubt there's a pastor alive who hasn't struggled in many of the same ways that he details. And the second section about the pastor's wife was equally relatable! The third section on children was, again, sparse, but helpful.
The book is a fairly simple approach to pastoring, and not devoted to any one area. It's not theological, it's not a marriage book, it's not a parenting book, it's not a book on dealing with critics... it's broad, and that is perhaps a negative to it. It's a good book with some good, general principles for pastors. It is not one I would hand out broadly, but a solid little help, unique because the author's wife, Cara, contributes throughout the pages.
December 24, 2021
Very well written (by both authors) and lots of insightful helps (from both authors). While it did not answer a particular question I have, it did answer lots of questions around that specific issue. I would recommend this book to other pastors and to those training for the ministry (as well as their wives).
January 13, 2022
Very helpful and informative.
February 11, 2014
The Crofts have served pastors and their wives well with this book. It is full of helpful practical advice coupled with the proper call to first look to the heart. I thought the final section on shepherding our children was particularly helpful. In the end, though, I thought the book suffered from having a fairly narrow frame of reference. As a solo pastor at a small church with a stay at home wife, the Crofts brought a very particular set of experiences to the book that helped make it very concrete, but also limited. Further, there were implicit assumptions about the role of a pastor and the demands of the flock that I didn't think represented the healthiest model. The same could be said about the Crofts own relationship. All of these things can be overlooked, however in the context of a book that will be helpful in our own home and ministry.
June 29, 2022
This is an encouraging and challenging book on the struggles that pastors face in balancing the demands of ministry with the care of the family. I thought it struck a nice chord between sympathy and exhortation. The authors never slip into discontented commiseration; neither do they look at ministry life with rose-colored glasses. The burdens of ministry life on the family are real, but so are the blessings and privileges.
September 25, 2021
This book was assigned to me as a part of the Practical Shepherding course I am a part of. Even if I had not been a part of this course I would have read this book, it is so so good. It has led to great conversations with my wife and has blessed my kids with new structures in how I minister to them. Such a blessing to me and my family. Highest recommendation
October 8, 2016
Easy-to-read, and easy to read together, with helpful and challenging discussion questions. Very practical, with good examples. Will be worth reading again when in ministry.
March 6, 2025
{PTC BOOK} I’m not a pastor. I’m not a husband. I’m not a father. This book isn’t for me. Having said that, my hope is that I will be one day. My only real complaint of this book is that it doesn’t speak specifically to my situation (one that many other men are in). This is a very helpful book, however. It’s helping me think about pastoring, marriage, and parenting in a manner that’s God-honoring. It’s helping me think of ways I can pray for my pastors and their families. It’s helping me think of ways I can encourage families in my church. I’m glad I read this one.
April 19, 2022
I listened to an audiobook of this over a weekend with my wife. It raised questions for both of us and spawned some helpful discussion, especially in light of their firsthand ministerial experience. The book contains a number of helpful, practical lessons for loving your family well as a pastor, and for that, I am grateful.
February 13, 2021
Great wisdom, perspective, and practical advice about the realities of pastors and their families. Great for any pastor & spouse to read together!
March 12, 2026
Pastors should read this
Helpful reminders and newly presented challenges. I have taken much to heart and I pray that it serves my family well.
Helpful reminders and newly presented challenges. I have taken much to heart and I pray that it serves my family well.
July 25, 2020
Great practical advice, and doesn't take long to read. Encouraging and also realistic--doesn't sugar-coat things but points us back to the Gospel.
March 29, 2014
The Pastor’s Family
by Brian and Cara Croft
Brian and Cara Croft write from their painful experience and lessons learnt in their own life, offering an easy to read book, with a straightforward message.
The book deals with the issue of pastors own becoming so absorbed in their ministry that they neglect the need to care for their families. It lays out the problem of expectations of pastors in the church, and the demands of the church he serves. It draws the conclusion that the pastor needs to repent and honour his role as husband and father.
The book continues dealing with the unique struggle that pastors’ wives face. It provides advice to pastors on how to care his wife. Finally it repeats this part, applying it to the children of the pastor. Cara perspective on the wife’s view of the pastor’s family is invaluable.
Church leadership teams would gain knowledge and understanding from jointly reading this book.
The Pastor's Family challenges pastors to care first and best for their wives and children and it carefully draws upon biblical wisdom to allow them to do that very thing. While not the only book on the subject, it is one that every pastor should read, and those considering ministry should read prior to commencing ministry.
by Brian and Cara Croft
Brian and Cara Croft write from their painful experience and lessons learnt in their own life, offering an easy to read book, with a straightforward message.
The book deals with the issue of pastors own becoming so absorbed in their ministry that they neglect the need to care for their families. It lays out the problem of expectations of pastors in the church, and the demands of the church he serves. It draws the conclusion that the pastor needs to repent and honour his role as husband and father.
The book continues dealing with the unique struggle that pastors’ wives face. It provides advice to pastors on how to care his wife. Finally it repeats this part, applying it to the children of the pastor. Cara perspective on the wife’s view of the pastor’s family is invaluable.
Church leadership teams would gain knowledge and understanding from jointly reading this book.
The Pastor's Family challenges pastors to care first and best for their wives and children and it carefully draws upon biblical wisdom to allow them to do that very thing. While not the only book on the subject, it is one that every pastor should read, and those considering ministry should read prior to commencing ministry.
December 27, 2020
I appreciate Brian and Cara Croft's burden to help pastors and their families. I also appreciate most of the advice they offer. I do not appreciate that it is given by comparatively younger parents, that it is given largely bereft of Scripture, and that it is given rather simplistically. Don't misunderstand me. This is not a bad book. It is just a weak book for the reason that it is based largely on experience, and rather limited experience at that. It is not that it contains nothing of help. It does, especially for the pastor tempted to neglect his family in order to pastor his church. But it fails to examine most of the scriptural teaching on the subject, it often repeats itself (even though it is relatively short), and it fails to delve into most of the more pastor specific parenting situations that most pastors and wives face.
I grew up in a pastor's home. I have raised my children in a pastor's home. If you're looking for help in this area my advice is to glance at this but keep looking.
I grew up in a pastor's home. I have raised my children in a pastor's home. If you're looking for help in this area my advice is to glance at this but keep looking.
July 23, 2025
Immensely helpful in providing insight into your spouse and children's struggles that are specific to pastoral ministry. I was greatly encouraged as it helped me to understand my husband better and helped us guard against some common pitfalls. I would recommend it for any families in vocational ministry. Enjoy!
January 31, 2014
Excellent primer on shepherding the family while shepherding the church. It can and should be done.
I especially appreciated Cara's perspectives sprinkled throughout the book.
Recommended, especially for new pastors with young families.
I especially appreciated Cara's perspectives sprinkled throughout the book.
Recommended, especially for new pastors with young families.
July 9, 2021
Livro fantástico sobre a família de pastor.
As observações da Cara (esposa) são de grande bênção para os pastores.
Leitura obrigatória!
As observações da Cara (esposa) são de grande bênção para os pastores.
Leitura obrigatória!
October 8, 2018
Taken from my blog at www.cdoylehughes.com
I must say that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. Co-authored with his wife Cara, Brian Croft was able to write what I would consider to be the most honest and helpful book to pastors and aspiring-pastors. I especially liked the format, in which Brian writes most of the book, but Cara will break in either to give the wife’s perspective of the subject, helpful advice to pastors’ wives, or even to clarify, it would seem at times, what her husband was saying. There are also a couple of pages at the end of each part where a person reflects on their own experiences. The first time is written by a pastor, the second by a pastor’s wife, and the third is by someone who grew up as a PK (pastor’s kid). Each of these “reflections” are helpful for solidifying what has been written in parts 1, 2, and 3.
In the first part, Brian seeks to help pastors understand their role in the family. It is his desire to see us as pastors living up to what true success is–not some secular version of the term, but God’s version revealed in Scripture. He gives us both the problem (chapter 1) and the solution (chapter 2). He pointedly asks the rhetorical question, “What if God evaluated the faithfulness and greatness of a pastor, not simply by the successes of his local church ministry, but by how well he cared for and pastored his own family–his wife and children?” (p. 23) And then he shockingly, but truthfully admits that “The only person lonelier than a pastor in a church may be the pastor’s wife.” (p. 41) This was not to make church members feel guilty, but to open the eyes of pastors who can become inwardly focused toward their own loneliness and miss that their wives are just as lonely, if not more so. Tolle Lege if you want to know how he resolves this.
The second part is about caring for the wife. This time, it is Brian doing the breaking in to explain things from the husband’s perspective–at least the first chapter of the section. Cara gives an honest look at what it means to be a pastor’s wife and how this affects the family and the church. She wisely advises, “[I]t’s important that the wife of a pastor shares his desire to serve the church, but her service cannot be motivated by a concern for what other people think.” (p. 69). But she also rebukes the wife who often will keep things to herself, becoming overwhelmed. “If we do not make our needs known to others, we cannot expect them to help us.” (p. 76). The next chapter is Brian showing the pastor ways to care for his wife.
The third part deals with caring for the kids. I don’t want to give too much away from this part. This was probably the most convicting portion of the book personally. I have often sought to care for my wife, but feel like I am not as diligent with the kids. After reading this book, I feel doubly so. Pastor Croft gives good, but difficult advice on how to pastor and father one’s children as individuals and as a group. He does advocate for family worship/devotions, but goes beyond just that. He also gives tips on how to get your children ready for Sunday’s sermon, which I found interesting.
Throughout this book, we are given examples of good ministers, but bad family men. Yet, he also gives us examples of men who were able to do well at being both. It was hard to hear of men, respected by almost all in the faith as being great pastors and evangelists, being neglectful husbands or fathers. But as pastors and Christians we are to be about the truth and learn from those who went before us, emulating their faith, but not their failures. No, we learn from their failures.
In fact, Cara is open about one other item from which we can all: her battle with depression. Though it is a quick chapter in this book, she explains the first time she went through it as well as the second time, and how she was able to get help. At the time of her writing this book, she admits to being in another bout. Pastors and wives would be greatly helped by this chapter alone.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone, at only 166 pages beginning to end, it is not a difficult read. It is not a theological book, but a practical book. I would recommend it especially to pastors or wives who are struggling in their marriage, pastors whose children seem to be more and more resentful of the church, and aspiring pastors (those who are feeling the calling or are currently in seminary). I would also recommend this book to laypeople in the church. It gives a clear and concise picture of what it is like to be a pastor or pastor’s family. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like, read this book. The Crofts deal honestly and openly about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I must say that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. Co-authored with his wife Cara, Brian Croft was able to write what I would consider to be the most honest and helpful book to pastors and aspiring-pastors. I especially liked the format, in which Brian writes most of the book, but Cara will break in either to give the wife’s perspective of the subject, helpful advice to pastors’ wives, or even to clarify, it would seem at times, what her husband was saying. There are also a couple of pages at the end of each part where a person reflects on their own experiences. The first time is written by a pastor, the second by a pastor’s wife, and the third is by someone who grew up as a PK (pastor’s kid). Each of these “reflections” are helpful for solidifying what has been written in parts 1, 2, and 3.
In the first part, Brian seeks to help pastors understand their role in the family. It is his desire to see us as pastors living up to what true success is–not some secular version of the term, but God’s version revealed in Scripture. He gives us both the problem (chapter 1) and the solution (chapter 2). He pointedly asks the rhetorical question, “What if God evaluated the faithfulness and greatness of a pastor, not simply by the successes of his local church ministry, but by how well he cared for and pastored his own family–his wife and children?” (p. 23) And then he shockingly, but truthfully admits that “The only person lonelier than a pastor in a church may be the pastor’s wife.” (p. 41) This was not to make church members feel guilty, but to open the eyes of pastors who can become inwardly focused toward their own loneliness and miss that their wives are just as lonely, if not more so. Tolle Lege if you want to know how he resolves this.
The second part is about caring for the wife. This time, it is Brian doing the breaking in to explain things from the husband’s perspective–at least the first chapter of the section. Cara gives an honest look at what it means to be a pastor’s wife and how this affects the family and the church. She wisely advises, “[I]t’s important that the wife of a pastor shares his desire to serve the church, but her service cannot be motivated by a concern for what other people think.” (p. 69). But she also rebukes the wife who often will keep things to herself, becoming overwhelmed. “If we do not make our needs known to others, we cannot expect them to help us.” (p. 76). The next chapter is Brian showing the pastor ways to care for his wife.
The third part deals with caring for the kids. I don’t want to give too much away from this part. This was probably the most convicting portion of the book personally. I have often sought to care for my wife, but feel like I am not as diligent with the kids. After reading this book, I feel doubly so. Pastor Croft gives good, but difficult advice on how to pastor and father one’s children as individuals and as a group. He does advocate for family worship/devotions, but goes beyond just that. He also gives tips on how to get your children ready for Sunday’s sermon, which I found interesting.
Throughout this book, we are given examples of good ministers, but bad family men. Yet, he also gives us examples of men who were able to do well at being both. It was hard to hear of men, respected by almost all in the faith as being great pastors and evangelists, being neglectful husbands or fathers. But as pastors and Christians we are to be about the truth and learn from those who went before us, emulating their faith, but not their failures. No, we learn from their failures.
In fact, Cara is open about one other item from which we can all: her battle with depression. Though it is a quick chapter in this book, she explains the first time she went through it as well as the second time, and how she was able to get help. At the time of her writing this book, she admits to being in another bout. Pastors and wives would be greatly helped by this chapter alone.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone, at only 166 pages beginning to end, it is not a difficult read. It is not a theological book, but a practical book. I would recommend it especially to pastors or wives who are struggling in their marriage, pastors whose children seem to be more and more resentful of the church, and aspiring pastors (those who are feeling the calling or are currently in seminary). I would also recommend this book to laypeople in the church. It gives a clear and concise picture of what it is like to be a pastor or pastor’s family. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like, read this book. The Crofts deal honestly and openly about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
January 25, 2023
Enjoyed this book! Below are some very helpful tips for those in ministry:
You should not neglect your family for ministry, but you should not idolize your family over ministry either.
Your ministry can begin together as a family and end together as a family; they do not have to be separate.
What if God judged our ministries according to our family unity as opposed to our ministry success?
The temptation to prioritize ministry over family is not new. It has been a struggle for many good men.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. The problem in ministry is that many times others get the attention and your family gets left out.
In a recent conference, the author did a survey and over 77% of the pastors admitted to not having a good marriage.
A pastor must recognize his sin of neglect to the family and ask forgiveness. First to God and then to his wife.
A pastor’s child that constantly sees dad choose ministry responsibilities over family, will become exasperated (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)
Be careful not to pile too many things on your wife.
As a pastor, be careful not to treat other women in your church better than you treat your wife.
There are four practical ways you can consider your wife:
Loving her.
Encouraging her.
Discipling her.
Praying for her.
If your marriage is struggling, your ministry is also struggling.
A pastor should take every day of vacation he’s allotted in the year.
When was the last time you thought about all the things you’re thankful for in your spouse? When was the last time you told him?
There’s great impact in an unanswered phone call. When you are at dinner or with your family, leave your phone alone and don’t answer.
You should not neglect your family for ministry, but you should not idolize your family over ministry either.
Your ministry can begin together as a family and end together as a family; they do not have to be separate.
What if God judged our ministries according to our family unity as opposed to our ministry success?
The temptation to prioritize ministry over family is not new. It has been a struggle for many good men.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. The problem in ministry is that many times others get the attention and your family gets left out.
In a recent conference, the author did a survey and over 77% of the pastors admitted to not having a good marriage.
A pastor must recognize his sin of neglect to the family and ask forgiveness. First to God and then to his wife.
A pastor’s child that constantly sees dad choose ministry responsibilities over family, will become exasperated (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)
Be careful not to pile too many things on your wife.
As a pastor, be careful not to treat other women in your church better than you treat your wife.
There are four practical ways you can consider your wife:
Loving her.
Encouraging her.
Discipling her.
Praying for her.
If your marriage is struggling, your ministry is also struggling.
A pastor should take every day of vacation he’s allotted in the year.
When was the last time you thought about all the things you’re thankful for in your spouse? When was the last time you told him?
There’s great impact in an unanswered phone call. When you are at dinner or with your family, leave your phone alone and don’t answer.
December 22, 2017
I wasn't sure how the tag team effort was going to work out in this book. However, it worked well. I appreciated reading both perspectives on the same subject. When it comes to books on the home, they vary on their helpfulness. The Bible does give sufficient instruction for us in our homes, but the market is crowded by a lot of extrapolation and thrice-removed opinions about the Bible actually requires of us. We have to sift the counsel we receive. Are we having burdens heaped upon us like an overloaded mule, or are we receiving counsel from someone with a healthy dose of what you call horse sense?
I think Croft is doing the latter in this book, which makes it a helpful book. He does deal with texts and calls out some of the neglect pastors can be guilty of, which is sinful. He rightly calls us to repentance in these. He also gives wise counsel that we should receive with discernment. For instance, he encourages a father to engage in one-on-one discipleship of his children. He may not be in chapter and verse territory, but he is giving good counsel.
I also appreciated how he dealt openly with the abysmal family legacies of some of the "heroes" of the faith that exalt so much. I was personally disappointed a few years ago reading about the marriage and home life of George Whitefield. Whitefield is one of the men Croft writes about. We need to be cautious is vaunting the men of the past. There are both good and bad examples in history. Can we really call a man "successful" in ministry who neglected his family all the while?
This is a great book for pastors and pastors' wives.
I think Croft is doing the latter in this book, which makes it a helpful book. He does deal with texts and calls out some of the neglect pastors can be guilty of, which is sinful. He rightly calls us to repentance in these. He also gives wise counsel that we should receive with discernment. For instance, he encourages a father to engage in one-on-one discipleship of his children. He may not be in chapter and verse territory, but he is giving good counsel.
I also appreciated how he dealt openly with the abysmal family legacies of some of the "heroes" of the faith that exalt so much. I was personally disappointed a few years ago reading about the marriage and home life of George Whitefield. Whitefield is one of the men Croft writes about. We need to be cautious is vaunting the men of the past. There are both good and bad examples in history. Can we really call a man "successful" in ministry who neglected his family all the while?
This is a great book for pastors and pastors' wives.
July 23, 2022
This book struck a nerve with me even though I’m not an elder or senior pastor. Yet I do aspire to elder, I wish I would have read this book sooner perhaps before or during seminary.
I feel this book is much needed for pastors who are sacrificing their family - wives and children - on the altar of ministry.
Brian and Cara are real and honest about the serious struggles (and joys too) of pastoral ministry and it’s toll on the family.
I appreciated the mention throughout the book of well known pastors in church history who both succeeded and failed in caring for their family. These provide great examples to learn what to do and NOT to.
The emphasis on individually shepherding our children and especially giving each child time with dad on a certain night of the week was priceless. I also really appreciated the section on fostering our children’s love for the church (p. 119). This is honestly one of my greatest fears as a father aspiring to ministry - raising kids who grow bitter toward or even hate the church. I’ve sadly known several who did.
I will close with one of my favorite quotes specifically about the pastor’s wife:
“Your wife is the great earthly gift and asset that God has given you in both your ministry and family life. She is the one who will lift you up when you are downcast. She will say the hard things to you that no one else will, challenge you when you are deceived, and remind the children of the value of your work when you are not home. And she will be there when others abandon you.” Whew, makes me want to go thank, hug, and kiss my wife.
I feel this book is much needed for pastors who are sacrificing their family - wives and children - on the altar of ministry.
Brian and Cara are real and honest about the serious struggles (and joys too) of pastoral ministry and it’s toll on the family.
I appreciated the mention throughout the book of well known pastors in church history who both succeeded and failed in caring for their family. These provide great examples to learn what to do and NOT to.
The emphasis on individually shepherding our children and especially giving each child time with dad on a certain night of the week was priceless. I also really appreciated the section on fostering our children’s love for the church (p. 119). This is honestly one of my greatest fears as a father aspiring to ministry - raising kids who grow bitter toward or even hate the church. I’ve sadly known several who did.
I will close with one of my favorite quotes specifically about the pastor’s wife:
“Your wife is the great earthly gift and asset that God has given you in both your ministry and family life. She is the one who will lift you up when you are downcast. She will say the hard things to you that no one else will, challenge you when you are deceived, and remind the children of the value of your work when you are not home. And she will be there when others abandon you.” Whew, makes me want to go thank, hug, and kiss my wife.
March 4, 2021
Brian and Cara Croft have written a straightforward account of the dangers of neglecting family in pastoral ministry and how to avoid this pitfall. It is probably best for those new or aspiring to eldership or those who recognize a large deficiency in shepherding their family.
The observations are simple, clear, and helpful for someone thinking for perhaps the first time about the practical application of the qualification, "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive" (1 Timothy 3:4).
Husband and wife, the Croft's take turns writing chapters, contributing to the chapters of each other, and have provided discussion questions that can be asked by a spouse or friend to help assess the health of the pastor's family.
For many it will simply be of comfort to hear another pastor and wife confirm the difficulties in pastoral ministry but the sufficiency of God's grace.
The observations are simple, clear, and helpful for someone thinking for perhaps the first time about the practical application of the qualification, "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive" (1 Timothy 3:4).
Husband and wife, the Croft's take turns writing chapters, contributing to the chapters of each other, and have provided discussion questions that can be asked by a spouse or friend to help assess the health of the pastor's family.
For many it will simply be of comfort to hear another pastor and wife confirm the difficulties in pastoral ministry but the sufficiency of God's grace.
July 22, 2017
A great read on an important topic. Every pastor and pastor-in-training should definitely read this. Every congregant should also read this. Why? Because it will help you to minister to your pastor and his family, help to cultivate realistic expectations in the Church, and also: there is plenty of exemplary stuff in here that any family should put in to practice. Only criticism is that it is too short!
December 20, 2018
Helpful read on the challenges that pastoral ministry presents for a family. Practical and honest advice from Cara Croft was particularly useful in thinking on how to shepherd my wife and children well while serving the church as a pastor. Also great reflections on particular opportunities and joys that are possible even in the midst of those challenges.
I pray I might be found faithful in this task.
I pray I might be found faithful in this task.
January 31, 2019
Very encouraging book for both pastors. I don’t agree with all the specifics listed, but every church, pastor, and family is of course different in how they work out life and ministry.
My favorite part was the discussion about how to talk to your kids about ministry and the specific dialogue points there.
I pray this book encourages pastors and their wives to think intentionally and prayerfully about life in ministry!
My favorite part was the discussion about how to talk to your kids about ministry and the specific dialogue points there.
I pray this book encourages pastors and their wives to think intentionally and prayerfully about life in ministry!
February 9, 2019
I thought this book was full of good thoughts. A church member gave it to me to read as the pastor’s wife and I appreciated the comments made. It isn’t a book that I’m going to sit down and do exactly what it says, for that isn’t the type of book it is...Brian even makes that clear in the beginning...but it is thought provoking and full of good questions to ask and consider and I think just helpful reading.
November 20, 2024
Ineludible para todo ministro (no solo pastores)
Este libro te enseña que glorificar a Dios y expandir Su reino, comienza con la familia. Además, te ofrece consejos y paso prácticos para hacerlo. Léelo con tu esposa. No solo es útil para pastors sino para todo ministro (misioneros, evangelistas, capellanes, profesores, diáconos, etc.).
Este libro te enseña que glorificar a Dios y expandir Su reino, comienza con la familia. Además, te ofrece consejos y paso prácticos para hacerlo. Léelo con tu esposa. No solo es útil para pastors sino para todo ministro (misioneros, evangelistas, capellanes, profesores, diáconos, etc.).
February 19, 2017
If you are planning to be a pastor or already are one, I highly recommend reading this book. It is probably best to read together as a couple or discuss after both reading it. Very practical. They speak from their own experience (20 years).
July 24, 2019
Every pastor and their partner should have to read this book. It walks through some of the potential reasons why a pastor struggles to maintain a healthy balance of work and family as well as offering some healthy habits and questions for partners to ask themselves. Highly recommend
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