Dads as Spiritual Leaders of Their Family

There are several statements in scripture that point to God appointing men as the spiritual leaders in the family.  This is perhaps one of the most important roles of a father.  It is something we will be held accountable for.  

In this episode I look at this role, what it means, as some practical ways we can fulfill it.

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The Prattville family meets at 344 East Main Street, Prattville, AL.  Our web site is: https://prattvillechurch.org.  

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Transcript

Welcome to Walking With Our Master.  I’m your host Dave Laton.  

Whether you’re starting your morning or winding down your evening, let’s take a few moments to center our hearts on some thoughts about what really matters.

Today I want to speak to fathers just a bit about our role in the home as the spiritual leader.  This is a very important role given to men by God.

The role of spiritual leader is not a position of control.  It is a position of responsibility and influence.  It’s not about titles.  It’s about direction, example, consistency, and presence.

It’s less about preaching and more about living.  It’s not about having all the answers.  It is ultimately about walking faithfully with God and inviting our family to walk with us.

We know leadership begins by example.  Our children learn from our example.  So if the father prioritizes prayer, speaking with integrity, repents when wrong, shows compassion, and lives with humility, then he is teaching, perhaps without ever opening a book.

The most powerful spiritual influence we have in the home as a father is to authentically pursue God.  I didn’t say perfectly, because all of us have our faults.  But it is authentic.  Authenticity inspires where demanding perfection intimidates and is unachievable.

Some misunderstand leadership to mean dominance.  But spiritual leadership mirrors Christ, and He led by serving.  We as spiritual leaders in our homes must look at our role that way as well.

 We protect the emotional and spiritual health of our family.

We initiate prayer time, especially, but not only in a crises.

We create space for spiritual conversations.

We encourage reading scripture and worship.

And, we support our spouse in her spiritual walk.

Our spiritual leadership is not loud and demanding.  It is steady, sacrificial, and consistent.

OK…I think we understand the role and it’s importance.  Let’s look at practical ways we can lead spiritually.

First, we set the spiritual tone.  We make spiritual elements a priority in our daily life and keep them in front of the family so they do as well.  We make spiritual elements like worship, prayer, daily Bible reading, and faith non-negotiable.  If it is important to us, it will become important the our family.

We can pray out loud and regularly.  Short prayers at dinner or bedtime are important and have an impact.  But there are many other times when prayers, short and long, make an even greater impact.  Our family sees prayer as a priority in our life and will learn to do so as well.  Here’s an example.  We can ask a family member what is coming up this week and then lead a prayer about it.

We should initiate spiritual conversations.  For example, after worship we can ask questions like, what did you learn today?  Or we can point out some element of nature and talk about how God creates beauty all around us.  We can praise God for the simple, as well as large blessings we receive.

It should already be something we do, but we should love our spouse visibly.  Our children learn about God’s love by watching how we love our spouse.  This also supports her spiritual growth.

Something also important is to admit and apologize when we are wrong.  That shows sincere humility.  All of us make mistakes and at times misunderstand.  By taking an honest look at ourselves and being willing to admit our mistakes, we are showing our commitment to what is right and willingness to grow.

I want to spend just a bit talking about when a father may not feel qualified.  

Some may think, especially a new father or a new Christian father, that they don’t know enough about scripture, or can’t speak well, or have made too many mistakes.  While these are legitimate concerns, we can grow past them.  

God does not call us as fathers to be flawless.  He calls us to be faithful.  Our past does not disqualify us.  It might even make us more qualified and understanding.  When we begin to turn our life around, they will see the power of God working in us and through us.

One last very important point to remember.  Our spiritual leadership in the family doesn’t just affect one generation.  It echoes through time.  The prayers we offer today.  The knowledge we help our children gain and the spiritual foundation we help build will shape their lives and the lives of their children.  It becomes a living and lasting legacy. 

Like all spiritual things, our role in our family is an eternal view.  But it begins now in this present age as we exercise our influence for God’s glory.

Thanks for joining me as together we walk with our Master.  Please join us again next week as we continue seeking truth, growing in faith, and getting back to what really matters.