Have you experienced the challenges that come with fatherhood? Whether it's knowing how to build and maintain strong connections with your kids (growing and grown), encourage and advise, or lovingly and effectively discipline. Add to that social pressures, social media, and societal assaults on healthy family and life principles, making a positive difference in your children's lives can feel increasingly difficult. Fathers are needed now more than ever. Fatherhood is more than a role—it’s a calling. A high one. A sacred one. And it’s one that I’ve come to value even more as the years go on.
I’m a father of three grown children. And while I’ve tried to model the qualities of my Heavenly Father to my kids, I haven’t always gotten it right. There have been times I’ve needed to step back, reflect, and redirect when I realized I wasn’t fathering well. But through it all, I’ve remained committed to becoming the kind of dad—and man—that reflects the heart of God.
One thing I’ve learned is this: fathering looks different in every season, but the call to be a man of faith never goes away. Whether you're tucking toddlers in at night or texting Scripture to adult kids, whether you're leading your family or being a spiritual father to others—this calling is worth pursuing.
Here are 11 ways dads of faith shape generations, along with practical steps to help you live them out. I must warn you that it's going to be hard...as worthwhile pursuits usually are. Find another dad or two that can challenge and encourage you (and vice versa) on this journey. Think of the men that have fathered well and ask them for input along the way.
1. A Father's Devotion to Scripture Establishes Faith in the Home
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children..."
Practical Tips:
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Read a short Bible verse at breakfast or before bedtime.
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Choose a “verse of the week” and talk about it in the car or over dinner.
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Let your kids see you reading your Bible. Your example matters.
2. A Father's Decision to Worship Brings a Song of Hope
Psalm 95:1–2
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
Practical Tips:
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Turn on worship music in the house or car.
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Attend church regularly and worship with your kids.
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Don’t worry about sounding good—worship with your heart, not your pitch.
3. A Father’s Guiding Hand Steers His Kids Away from Sorrow
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Practical Tips:
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Set consistent rules and follow through with loving discipline.
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Explain the why behind the boundaries you set.
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Celebrate obedience and growth as much as you correct disobedience.
4. A Father’s Voice of Encouragement Carries Generations
Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Practical Tips:
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Say “I’m proud of you” often—for who they are, not just what they do.
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Write encouraging notes or texts, especially during hard seasons.
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Cheer them on from the sidelines—literally and figuratively.
5. A Father’s Prayer Teaches That God Hears and Sees
James 5:16
"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Practical Tips:
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Pray out loud with your kids—even if it’s simple.
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Let them hear you pray for them by name.
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Ask them how you can pray for them, and follow up later.
6. A Father’s Willingness to Forgive Reveals the Heart of Jesus
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Practical Tips:
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Admit when you’re wrong, and say, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
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Be quick to extend grace to your children when they mess up.
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Model forgiveness in your marriage and relationships, too.
7. Fatherly Fortitude Inspires
1 Corinthians 16:13
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
Practical Tips:
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Let your kids see how you handle tough times with faith.
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Talk about how you trust God even when things don’t go your way.
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Keep showing up—even when you’re tired, discouraged, or unsure.
8. A Father’s Peace Assures
Isaiah 26:3
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Practical Tips:
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Stay calm when things get chaotic—it sets the emotional tone for the home.
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Speak words of peace and assurance when your family is anxious.
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Prioritize rest and Sabbath moments together as a family.
9. A Father’s Laughter Brings Joy
Proverbs 17:22
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Practical Tips:
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Play, joke, and have fun with your kids regularly.
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Laugh at your own mistakes and make space for lighthearted moments.
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Start fun traditions or “dad jokes of the day.”
10. A Father’s Blessing Brings Honor
Proverbs 18:21
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."
Practical Tips:
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Speak words of identity and purpose over your children regularly.
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Look them in the eye and say things like “You’re strong,” “You’re loved,” “God has big plans for you.”
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Write a blessing for each child on a birthday or milestone.
11. A Father’s Legacy Is Generational
Psalm 78:4
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord..."
Practical Tips:
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Share stories of God’s faithfulness in your own life.
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Keep a prayer journal or family “faith history” to pass on.
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Invest in spiritual sons and daughters—not just your biological kids.
Final Thoughts
Fatherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It's about faithfulness in the little things, consistency through the hard seasons, and humility to grow when you fall short.
Even when you feel like you're not doing it right (and trust me, I’ve had those days), God’s grace is sufficient. He’s not asking you to be a flawless father—He’s asking you to be a faithful one.
So whether you’re navigating diapers or diplomas, rebellion or reconciliation—stay the course. Be the man of faith your children, and this generation, needs. Because when fathers have faith, everything changes.
Do you have a church family? If you live in the Concord, NH area, we invite you to join us!
If you live elsewhere and looking for a church, check out these helpful articles:
- 3 Essential Beliefs All Christian Churches Share
- 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Church for You
- Which Christian Denomination is Right for Me? An Easy Comparison Guide
Being a good father begins by personally knowing your Heavenly Father. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him or you would like it to be closer, these articles can help:
- Can I Know God Personally? (5 Ways to Encounter & Grow Closer to God)
- I am not a Christian but am Interested in Jesus: What should I do?
- How to Read the Bible Using the S.O.A.P. Method
- Does Prayer Really Work (10 Secrets to Effective Prayer)
- How to Connect Deeply with God through Prayer (7 Biblical Examples)
- "The Three Little Pigs" as a Biblical Devotional for You & Your Child
- Turn a Child's Storybook into a Devotional: "Where the Wild Things Are"
- 5 Ways to Build a Relationship with God (and Feel Fulfilled)
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