A Man’s Guide to Being the Spiritual Leader in His Home

Not many Christian men would argue against the fact that Scripture calls them to be the spiritual leaders of their homes, yet many men feel overwhelmed by the idea of spiritual leadership.

The reasons are varied. You could be the first Christian in your family line, meaning you never had an example. You may feel vastly different from your dad or simply long to do things differently than he did. You could recognize that while your dad was a Christ-follower, he did not understand spiritual leadership. You may even feel so overwhelmed by your past that you are afraid you could never lead your family well.

Whether you feel overwhelmed or underqualified, let me take the mystery out of this by sharing a few simple, encouraging truths.

1 - Spiritual leadership at home is not about your personality or your past.

Often, men think they have to sound and act like their pastor to be a spiritual leader. While pastors should be examples, there is a big difference between pastoring a church and leading your family. Whether you feel like you are not well versed in the Bible, have strayed from God in the past, or have never had a good example to follow, God’s commands are not conditional. No matter where a man has been in the past, he can obey God, and God promises to empower his efforts. Ask Him to help you choose to start following and obeying Him today. 

2 - Spiritual leadership is not mystical.

There is no secret code or special language when it comes to leading your family well. In fact, the single greatest act of spiritual leadership in a husband’s life is simply being the lead follower of Christ in his home. Of course, you cannot lead your wife or children where you are not going yourself That is why it is so important for you to walk with Jesus consistently. Read the Word. Pray. Spend time with the Lord, and keep growing in your faith.

3 - Spiritual leadership is ordinary.

You don't have to overthink this or try to force it. Spiritually leading your family happens in the ordinary motions and conversations of everyday life. It looks like intentionally sharing how the Lord is leading you, talking through decisions you are making based on God's Word, and opening up about what Christ means to you.

4 - Spiritual leadership is best accomplished with other men who follow Christ.

Men need other godly men, and they thrive when they stay connected. A man who is serious about leading his family well and loving them with intentionality should surround himself with other men devoted to the same high calling.

So, what is one simple step you can take this week that will move you in the direction of leading your family well? Do you need to set your alarm to get up earlier to spend time with Jesus? Do you need to find a Bible reading plan to help you stay committed to reading the Word? Do you need to schedule some time to meet with a man whose walk with Christ you respect?

By the grace of God and with His help, you can lead your family well. Be the lead follower. Let your leadership come from the overflow of your walk with Jesus.