Marriage to a Christian does not necessarily mean that your spouse will take part in the spiritual life of your family, particularly when that includes attending church on a regular basis. No matter that he or she may profess to love the Lord deeply, no amount of tears and pleading will change the heart of someone who doesn't want to go to church because at its essence, it is a spiritual problem.

It's important for families to worship together. Spending time together with God can build closer relationships with each other as well. Husbands and wives need to grow together in their relationships with Christ - and their children need to see this. When a spouse chooses not to attend church, God's design for the home is thwarted.

If begging and pleading aren't effective, what is? The first thing to do is to pray. Only the Lord can place a desire for righteousness and spiritual growth in your spouse. A husband and wife can also be a silent witness with a dynamic life testimony. A spouse who does not hold church attendance as a value will never have a change of heart until he or she can see the difference fellowship time and worship make in the life of the other spouse. Here are three keys to transforming the stay-at-home spouse into a growing believer.

- Introduce your spouse to someone in the church who shares his or her interests. It is much easier to attend a church where both of you have friends.

- As your spouse begins to attend church, connect him or her with people who have a strong desire to grow spiritually. Develop friendships with people whose zeal for the Lord extends beyond Sunday-morning Christianity.

- Seek out a pastor or leader in the church who can be a spiritual mentor. This will help to strengthen a commitment to the Lord and His church, as well as hold both of you accountable and encouraged in your spiritual growth.