By Brandon Henry
AFRO Intern
According to the U.S. Census Bureau “U.S. marriage rates have been on the decline since the latter half of the 20th century and both men and women are marrying at a later age, but the decline and delay are even more dramatic among Black adults.
The Pew Research Center reports that “in 2023, over 1.8 million Americans divorced. Additionally, a third of Americans who have ever been married have also experienced divorce.”
With these statistics in mind, Wesley W. Hunter has now released a book speaking directly to married men, with the title “How to Keep Your Wife on Your Team.”
“After doing this for a while, I just felt that God was leading me to share what I learned with others,” said Hunter, adding that the Lord “put it in his heart” to write a book for those who may be going through hardship in their marriage.
The release marked a proud moment for both Hunter and the Israel Baptist Church congregation, where he serves as a deacon. At a Sept. 14 book release, many lined up to purchase a signed copy of Hunter’s work and offer their congratulations.
Hunter has been a marriage counselor for over 30 years. He started by leading the marriage ministry at church, doing premarital and post marital counseling.
Hunter said the first thing he does when he sits down with a couple is go through what the word of God says about marriage.
The fifth chapter of Ephesians is a model Hunter uses for men when counseling them on how to become Christian husbands. The chapter states that the relationship between a married man and woman should mimic the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church.
Hunter said that the writing process was fairly difficult, but he used the advice outlined in the Bible and the book, “Writing for Dummies,” as tools to outline his thoughts. He also had an editor to look over his work, which he began in 2024 and officially published in July of this year.
Hunter, who has been married for 37 years, and has two children and a grandchild. He pulled on his own experiences as inspiration for some of the chapters. He remembers when he and his wife did premarital counseling together with their pastor.
Though it is more the norm today, Hunter said he and his wife were a bit old when they got married, considering their generation. Hunter was 30 years old, and his wife was 31.
Hunter believes a major reason people are getting married later is because they want to solidify their careers first.
He said one difficulty of marriage is walking as one after you both are already established as individuals.
“Once you get established… breaking out of that mold –‘this is yours’ and ‘this is mine,’ – to walk as one ,” said Hunter.
Tips included in the book touch on how men can lead in marriage, while still recognizing their wives as an important team member. Hunter stresses how crucial communication is in marriage, and how to handle conflict that is sure to rise as a marriage matures.
Although the book is discussing how to keep your wife on your team, Hunter also wants women to use the book. “It’s not just men, women can value from it also,” said Hunter.
For Hunter, “How to Keep Your Wife on Your Team” is more than just a book, it is another way of giving back and helping others keep their marriage going.
To purchase a copy of “How to Keep Your Wife on Your Team,” it is available as a softcover for 16.99, hardcover for 39.99 and in E-Book format for 3.99. It can be purchased on multiple platforms, including BarnesandNoble.com, VitalSource.com., and West Bow Press.
