Christian men are often called to take on specific roles and responsibilities within both their families and their church communities, guided by Biblical teachings and the example of Jesus Christ.

In the Family

Leadership: Christian men are often encouraged to take a leadership role within the family. This involves providing guidance, setting a spiritual example, and making decisions that reflect Christian values. Ephesians 5:23 describes Christ as the head of the church, and similarly, men are encouraged to lead their families with love and integrity. 

1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

Provider: Traditionally, men have been seen as the primary providers for their families. This includes not just financial provision, but also providing for emotional and spiritual needs.

1 Timothy 5:8: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 

2 Thessalonians 3:10: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

Protector: Men are often called to protect their families, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. This means creating a safe environment where family members feel secure and supported. 

1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”

Spiritual Leadership: Leading by example in faith and devotion is crucial. This might involve leading family prayers, teaching Biblical principles, and encouraging spiritual growth among family members. Teaching discipline, disciplining children in a loving way and not in anger. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Husband and Father: The roles of husband and father are central to many Christian teachings. Men are encouraged to love their wives sacrificially and to raise their children in the fear and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

Titus 1:6: “If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.”

Listening:

Listen to you children on what they have to say, pay attention to them, they may be asking for attention. Communicating and sharing is important to them, sometimes in their child’s way. Or one day they may not want to talk or share and slowly drift away. If they don’t want to talk much, open up to them. Always share Jesus, his love and faith. 

Sharing:

Share the gospel with your children constantly so they want to know Jesus more. Encourage bible reading so they know who Jesus is and what is required to be his disciples. How can they follow someone they hardly know. Kids are smart, don’t dumb them down but lift them up in wisdom. Teach them in the ways of God and to make wise choices. 

The church youth ministries are there to help lead our children on the right path to Jesus, but only get them for an hour on Sunday and 1 1/2 hrs on Wednesday for the student ministry. They need a Christian home environment to reach them, teach them about Jesus and becoming his disciples. Read the Bible with your children no matter their age, make the living word come alive in your house, be the Godly example. You will grow too.

Teach Anger: Yes, anger, God’s righteous anger. Teach your children to be strong, kind and angry in defending God’s love for people. 

Romans 12:9  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Righteous Anger: is a type of emotional response that arises when someone perceives a situation as deeply unjust or immoral. It’s a form of anger that is often seen as justified because it’s directed toward what is perceived as a wrong or ethical violation. For example, feeling righteous anger in response to witnessing hate, someone being cheated or corruption.

This kind of anger can motivate positive action, like standing up for others, advocating for justice, or making changes to address the wrongs observed. It’s distinguished from other forms of anger by its focus on justice and moral values rather than personal grievances or trivial matters. Do what Jesus says to do in his teachings and commandments. Do good.

But man’s anger in selfishness can lead to more sin and the influence of sin to our children. Children are smart and the copy us. What does God want you to do in raising your children. To advocate a Godly influence, or a sinful one. 

Micah 6:8   “He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly,
To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

Ephesians 4:26-27  26“In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

James 1: 20  “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

In the Church

Servant Leadership: Men are encouraged to serve within the church community. This involves taking on positions of responsibility with a servant heart, following the example of Jesus who came to serve.

 Mark 10:44-45:“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-28: “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Support and Encouragement: Supporting the church through involvement in activities, financial contributions, and encouragement to others is a key role. Men are encouraged to build up the church community through their actions and words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11:“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Mentorship: Providing mentorship and guidance to younger men or new believers is often seen as an important role. This can involve sharing wisdom, offering support, and helping others grow in their faith.

Titus 2:2-3: “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.”

2 Timothy 2:2:“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Teaching and Preaching: In many Christian traditions, men are called to take on roles of teaching and preaching, sharing the message of the Gospel and instructing others in Biblical teachings. This is not only at church but to your neighbors.

1 Timothy 3:2: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”

2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

Prayer: Men are encouraged to be active in prayer, both personally and in communal settings, to support the church and its mission.

1 Timothy 2:8:“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

James 5:16:“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Conclusion: Men need to embrace their role in God’s plan, stepping up for their families and their church. It begins with guiding their children on the right path, teaching them about God, and following Jesus’ commands by not only hearing His word but also living it.