Our newest book, Power with Purpose, releases next week on December 10th. We are super excited about this book. It has been a work of both love and pain. We spent four years working on it and poured our hearts and lives into it.
The book takes a serious look at power dynamics in marriage from a Biblical perspective. God created power and so it is a good reality. Yet, often, power is used for selfish ends and in that regard it can often be harmful to others. But God gave to both husbands and wives their own distinct forms of power, all of which is to be used to help others flourish. That’s the purpose of our power: the flourishing of others. This books spells that out and gives practical strategies for using our power to empower others.
Often books on marital roles do discuss power but they reduce the whole of marriage to headship and submission. While those terms are found in Scripture it is extremely important that we understand them and exercise them rightly. This book aims to give us a better understanding of those concepts, and, more significantly, expand our view of marriage beyond them. The Scriptures give us more than headship and submission and so a particular look at power dynamics will want to consider the totality of Scripture. Particularly, this book looks at the “one-another commands” and demonstrates their relevance for marriage.
Discussions like this are rare in Evangelical circles, and the dramatic increase in domestic abuse cases within church give evidence that we need a fresh appraisal of this subject. We need to revisit the topic of power dynamics in marriage and make sure we are seeing them rightly in the light of what Scripture actually teaches.
We hope that you will consider buying a copy of this book. But, you can win it before you buy it by sharing this post on your social media and tagging Sparrow & Heart Soul Care (Facebook, Instagram). By sharing this post you are automatically entered to win a copy. The contest closes on Monday so share it today!
Here are some of the kind endorsements we received from other counselors and pastors who read the book in advance:
Scott Mehl, Pastor, Cornerstone Church of West Los Angeles; Author
“While reaffirming the beauty of traditional marital roles, David and Krista Dunham provide an incredible service to the church by showing that marriage is about much more than roles. And in a culture filled with reactions and overreactions, Power with Purpose is a breath of fresh air that both highlights God’s good design for authority and provides a gracious path forward when that God-given authority is misused.”
Chris Moles, Pastor, The Chapel, Eleanor, West Virginia; Author
“This is the book I’ve been waiting for. The Dunhams masterfully frame power as neither a vice to be abandoned nor a privilege to lord over our spouses. Instead, they point us to the beautifully biblical concept of “power with purpose.” This Christlike model, rooted in serving and sacrificing for our families out of reverence for the Lord, is the transformative message every marriage needs today.”
Darby Strickland, Faculty, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; Author
“Power with Purpose is not just a book about marriage roles—it’s a heart-level call to love like Jesus. David and Krista Dunham help us see that biblical authority is not about control but about Christlike sacrifice. With theological clarity and pastoral compassion, they offer a vision of marriage that is rooted in mutual flourishing rather than power struggles. This book is a needed recalibration for couples, churches, and anyone longing to see grace shape the deepest relationships in their lives.”
Paul Tautges, Pastor, Cornerstone Community Church, Cleveland, Ohio; Counselor; Author
“Power with Purpose is a theologically grounded and pastorally wise resource that exposes the misplaced trust and self-reliance that are often underneath our craving for control. With Scripture as its foundation and Christ as its aim, this book helps believers pursue true transformation through repentance, humility, and faith in the sovereign grace of God. A valuable counseling tool.”
Brad Hambrick, Pastor of Counseling, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina; Author
“Christians often think about expressions of love or gender roles within marriage. But we overlook the use of power in marriage. However, if our marriage impact us more than any other human relationship, it is essential for us to consider how to use influence in a God-honoring way. In Power with Purpose, David and Krista take you on a biblical exploration of this neglected subject. If you take the time to read it, you’ll become more intentional and Christlike in the way you use influence within your marriage.”
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 