"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." It's one of the most familiar Bible verses about family—but what does Joshua 24:15 actually require of a Christian dad?
In part two of this Father On Purpose series, Kent and Lawson focus on the words "and my house." What does it look like to take spiritual responsibility for your family without trying to control every outcome? How do you lead your kids toward God while remembering that ultimately, the Lord is the one who builds the house?
Kent shares a personal story about walking through a difficult season with one of his sons—and how God brought grace and redemption even when Kent's attempts to help didn't always...you guessed it...actually help. The guys also discuss the temptation for dads to take credit for their kids' success, the danger of building an "I love me wall," and why faithful fatherhood is about pointing the glory back to God.
You'll also hear a practical challenge for building deeper relationships with your kids: become a noticer. Notice their character. Notice when they encourage someone, honor their mom, care for a sibling, or demonstrate something that reflects God—and tell them what you see.
If you want to become a more intentional Christian father, strengthen your relationship with your kids, and build a home centered on biblical faith, this episode will give you practical ways to lead your family on purpose.
In this episode:
- What "as for me and my house, we..." means for Christian dads
- Taking responsibility without carrying unnecessary guilt
- How to spiritually lead your family
- Why dads shouldn't take credit for their kids' success
- Trusting God to build your household
- Recognizing and reinforcing godly character in your children
- Building intimacy and stronger relationships with your kids
- Applying Joshua 24:15 to everyday fatherhood
You are not a father on accident. Go be a Father On Purpose.
Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/
Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/
We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_YWYHwJUIPA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Fatherhood Guard – The Fatherhood Guard is now 100+ members strong! Join the fight for God-honoring fatherhood. Connect with dads from over 25 states and at least 3 countries by joining today. Grab your Range Leather welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/
- Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: info@manhoodjourney.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
About our hosts:
- Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.
