Why do we as dads fail so often in taking the leadership role in the home when it comes to our faith?

Why do so many dads take an apathetic stance, allowing their wives to step out and lead in this area?

This is one of the most important areas we need to address in our dadhood. It’s simple: if we remain apathetic in faith matters, our kids will read that in our lives and live their lives, being apathetic in matter of faith as well.

Because our kids can read us well.

If we want our kids to grow in their faith, and maintain that faith throughout their lives, then we have to start it by modeling it in the home while our kids are young. There is no other way.

And it’s not all that difficult, really. It’s as easy as allowing your faith to be visible to them, and to your wife. It’s as easy as letting them see you grow, as you desire for them to grow, too.

Here are a few ways that you can do this.

Ask for forgiveness when you mess up

If you fail as a dad, which we all do occasionally, ask for forgiveness. When I am irritable or too hard on my kids, I have to go back and admit to them I was wrong and ask them to forgive me. This often has a much more powerful effect than my irritability or frustration did to begin with.

Lead your family in devotional times or family worship

This seems to be the most intimidating thing for a lot of dads to do with their families. It doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose just to read some Scripture on a daily basis together. Or you can use one of the many excellent resources available. We use Josh McDowell’s One Year Book of Family Devotions. We read the story, read the Bible passage, talk about it, apply it to our day, and pray together.

Point out God’s provision

One of the things we do frequently in our house is ask the kids, and my wife and I too, to share something that the saw God do in their lives that day. We hear stories of how God acted, how God provided, how God showed up in their day. We hear of God doing things in school, or how he helped our kids understand something. My four year old has even credited God with helping him decide what to watch on Netflix.

Talk about Jesus

This may seem a bit obvious, but if you don’t talk about Jesus, neither will your kids. But if they hear you making a big deal out of Jesus in your conversation, then their conversations will be salted with Christ as well.

Extend grace

Have you ever had a rough day and needed someone to give you a break and show you grace? Your kids experience the same thing from time to time. Show them grace. A few nights ago, my daughter came home from school, tired from volleyball practice, only to turn around and head to church for our Wednesday evening programs. By the time we got home, she was exhausted, and still had homework to tackle. She needed help, and a little lenience on her chores and bedtime rules. So we gave her some grace that evening. It helped her immensely.

Pray for and with your family

While this goes hand in hand with leading your family in devotional times, it is much bigger than that too. Pray for your kids. Pray for them a lot. Pray for them when they are at home, or at school. Pray for them after they go to sleep. But pray with them a lot too. Pray with them at meals and at bedtime, but do it other times as well. We pray together each morning before school, and any other time we can.

Take the initiative, dads, and lead your family in spiritual matters.

It’s more important than you think. And it’s easier than you think. So, what are you waiting for?

Be deliberate, Dad!

What do you do with your family as the spiritual leader in your home? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.