How Should Men Think When It Comes to Leading Their Families?

Authentic Manhood Family Leadership

How Should Men Think When It Comes to Leading Their Families?

Chris Rivers

In season two, episode 16, Chris Rivers, Brad Walbridge, and Doug Peterson, a member of Grace Church’s Harrison Bridge campus, tackle the question, “how should men think when it comes to leading their families?” Using a boating analogy, they look at three points to consider when trying to bring purpose and intentionality to a man’s role of leader in the home.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Download Episode 16 Study Questions and then share, listen, and discuss in a one on one conversation or with a group of men.

APPLICATION

  • When it comes to thinking strategically, am I floating or sailing? Do I have a plan and a general idea of where I should be going, or am I waiting on life to happen with no clear direction?
  • When it comes to thinking ICM (intentional, creative, and memorable), what are some ways I can pour into my family and create opportunities for gospel conversations?
  • When it comes to thinking in community and chasing wisdom, where do I exhibit vulnerability and share my areas of weakness/struggle? What relationships do I have with other men who challenge and encourage me? Is it hard for me to open up because of the fear of letting others know I don’t have it all together?
  • Of the three points listed, which of these is most challenging for me? What steps could I take this week to move towards growth in this area?

KEY POINTS

  • Doug shared the concept of a boat as a representation of a family. Just like learning to operate a boat on the sea, families must learn how to work together, figure out problems they encounter, and teach their children how to “navigate” life. While all of the boats are different, they are all on a similar journey. Doug shares three points and expounds on how each of these can help men think intentionally when leading their families.
  • Point #1: Men should think strategically.
    • When thinking strategically, you have a purpose, vision, and a plan to get to your desired destination. You do not live life aimlessly as a “floater,” but, instead, have a general idea of where you want to be going. Thinking strategically does not mean leaving God out of the equation. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps'' (NLT). While God is ultimately in control, we are responsible for taking steps to lead our family. A good question to ask when evaluating this idea is: Am I floating or sailing?
  • Point #2: Men should think ICM (intentional, creative, and memorable)
    • In order to see fruit in our families, we need moments that are intentional, creative, and memorable. This takes hard work and a constant evaluation of how we spend our time. Proverbs 20:4 states “those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest” (NLT). We cannot sit by and expect to see growth in our families if we aren’t willing to put in the time this requires. This may mean looking for creative opportunities to talk about Jesus, planning a special trip, or being in the moment with our child when they ask a question that leads to a gospel conversation. The best way to know if you are getting traction in this area is to look for fruit in the lives of your family members.
  • Point #3: Men should think about community and chasing wisdom.
    • Similar to riding along in a boat where you can see people all around you, men in community have the benefit of seeing they are not on the journey alone. They can be vulnerable and share their struggles. They can look to other men to hold them accountable, impart wisdom, and share ideas. Proverbs 27:17 says, “as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (NLT). Men don’t have to feel pressure to have it all together or know the entire plan before moving. They can engage the people around them and work together as they seek to lead and care for their families.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. Proverbs 20:4 (NLT)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

RESOURCES

Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood

Leadership Values

https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/leadership-values

God’s Design for Sex: https://bit.ly/3BzVnUQ

Grace Church Core Values: https://corevalues.gracechurchsc.org

If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at: menatgrace@gracechurchsc.org.