Men may feel under great pressure at times as providers and leaders. Without God, living out all their roles adequately, or even with excellence, is virtually impossible. It’s a high calling to be ultimately held accountable for all that occurs in their family (and in the case of elders, the church). It is at this point that men must learn to trust God to provide for all their needs and to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33), and God will provide everything they need.

Significant Male Roles

All men are called to be spiritual leaders in their homes. This means they must be spiritually mature or else accept guidance from mature men until they are able to lead others to faith and to help their family grow in their faith.

Men also need to be in accountability relationships with other men who are spiritually more mature than they are and to partner with other men of similar maturity in pouring into younger men. And all of these men are to be ultimately submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ himself as they live out their roles.

Specifically, men are to be worshipers, disciples, witnesses, husbands and fathers, leaders, providers, and protectors. As they grow in their faith, they will also get more involved in mentoring and training men; further develop their spiritual gifts and exercise hospitality; participate more actively in public worship; teach men, women, and children; and in some cases serve as elder or deacon. As a foundation for living out their roles as husbands and fathers, men should follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Humbling themselves to learn from God and to submit to his authority and his lordship in their own life will provide the source and power for their mission. If they aren’t first and foremost disciples— learners—themselves, they won’t have much to teach to their children.

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