When Dad Goes to Church

Many baby boomer kids grew up with this gem of parenting: "Do as I say, not as I do." I guess it was a flimsy way of dad expecting kids to keep the rules while kids watched dad breaking them! This was not what God had in mind for the role of fathers. Kids, especially little boys, want to be like Daddy. So Daddy needs to be setting a good example.

I remember one day watching a young dad mowing his front lawn with a push mower. His little 4-year old son followed behind with his kiddie mower that blew bubbles. We all remember them! The little boy was dressed just like Daddy –– jeans, yellow tshirt, bright blue hat. Everything Daddy did the little boy did. Daddy stopped to pick up a rock. The little guy picked up a rock. Daddy wiped his sweaty brow. The little guy did too. As he pushed his mower, the little boy constantly lifted his head to watch Daddy. It was a powerful visual for me.

I wonder if dads have any idea how important they are in the eyes of their children. Take note of this statistic –– If a father regularly attends church –– even if mom does not attend –– children will attend church as adults. The numbers are staggering –– anywhere from 66% to 93% of kids are so impacted by the example of their dad worshiping God in church that they follow that example as adults. The example continues into the next generation. Those boys grow into adult fathers who lead their kids to worship.

Dad doesn't need to have all the answers or be a Bible scholar to impact his kids. When a father leads his family in worship, it has profound value. Kids feel secure and grounded in faith and truth. God becomes real to them because God is real to their dad. That is exactly what God intended in Ephesians 6:4 , "Fathers ...bring your children up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord."

Let's do more than just tell our kids and grandkids that our faith is real. Let's live it out for them to watch.