Encouraging Faith

During the first ten years of being a father, I unknowingly outsourced the role of spiritual leader.

I didn’t recognize it at the time, but looking back, it’s clear. In my mind, taking my family to church somewhat regularly meant I was fulfilling what God expected of me. What a mistake in thinking that was. While our children’s pastor was phenomenal, there was no way he could lead my family spiritually. On the best of weeks, our kids would see him for two to three hours. That left a tremendous amount of time unaccounted for—time I was responsible for.

I realize now I believed spiritual leadership was for those with formal training—seminary grads, missionaries, theologians. I never imagined someone like me, just a dad trying to raise his kids, could or should be the one leading spiritually.

But God began showing me otherwise. If I were willing to take small steps of obedience, He would provide the guidance. The more I let my children see my own discipleship journey, the more impact I began to have on theirs.

Looking deeper, I found the real reason I resisted this role: fear. I was afraid my kids would see how much I didn’t know about the Bible—or how little I actually applied it. The gap between who I was on Sunday and the dad I was the rest of the week was far too wide.

That disconnect is real. It's one reason so many kids grow up in “Christian” homes but walk away from the faith. They hear messages of grace on Sunday, but see something entirely different Monday through Saturday. Eventually, they conclude it was never real to begin with.

Once I saw this, I knew I couldn’t outsource spiritual leadership any longer. I had to take off the mask and start walking out my own discipleship journey—honestly and openly. Those first steps were awkward. Praying aloud felt like public speaking. I doubted my ability until I heard the words: “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.”

That was the turning point.

We started praying as a family. We read small devotions together. When a question came up that I didn’t know the answer to, we used it as a chance to learn together. What I’ve found to be true is this: the most powerful way to encourage your children’s faith is by actively growing in your own.

So, to the dad who breaks into a sweat thinking about leading your family spiritually—you can do this. And that’s not fluff. That’s truth—because the God who called you will equip you.

Your children seeing your discipleship in action will make a greater impact than any sermon, camp, or church event ever could. The church is a partner—but you are the leader. And when you lead with sincerity, humility, and courage, your faith becomes a living legacy.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who truly leads the spiritual direction of your home right now?
2. What fears hold you back from leading spiritually with confidence?