With Father’s Day approaching, it’s time to think about the important role Christian men, especially dads, play in our lives. In a world where values can seem unclear, dads stand as guides, showing love and leading their families spiritually.
Christian dads have a special job in teaching their kids about faith, honesty, and kindness. They’re not just a physical presence, but they shape who their children become, passing down a legacy of love and faith.
Brett & Kate Ryan from Focus on the Family believe that Father’s Day is a great time to recognise and celebrate the big impact Christian dads have on making strong, caring families.
The Role of a Christian Dad
‘We need to be modelling what it means to be a dad, a husband and also a man of God,’ says Brett. ‘And we can use the culture around us as a catalyst for those conversations. But it needs to be more than just men. We also need women to have some input into what it means to be a man of God.’
Brett recommends allowing the movies and TV shows we watch with our families to spark meaningful conversations. ‘We can ask our kids, what do you think that example of being a man is all about? Or, what can we do differently?’ he says.
Kate believes that it’s vital for parents to encourage children to be themselves, and trust God’s plan for their lives. ‘When our boys were growing up,’ says Kate, ‘I would point them constantly not only to God, but to Brett. We talked a lot about the strength of having a Godly man in the home and in the community.’
The Importance of Extended Family
Kate says she would often thank Brett for being a wonderful father, and teaching their boys what it meant to treat women with respect and love. They also believe that grandfathers can play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren.
‘Grandfathers have got a huge part to play in the lives of young men,’ says Kate, ‘because they’ve already been there.’
We know that fathers play a vital role in the lives of their children, and Brett encourages all of us to demonstrate love and respect for them. ‘And it’s not only our biological fathers,’ he says, ‘but our spiritual fathers as well.’
As a father himself, Brett understands the profound impact that a loving and involved dad can have on a child’s life. He believes that Christian dads have a special job in teaching their kids about faith.
‘I truly believe that fathers have the power to shape the character and future of their children.’
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