Roles of the Household Leader: Spiritual Leader
A man’s role in the household is more than being a provider or protector; it is a divine calling to be the spiritual leader of his home. The Bible lays out a clear vision of what this means—a man who leads his family in faith, disciples his wife and children, and ensures that Christ is the foundation of their home.
A Calling to Lead Spiritually
Ephesians 5:25-27 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, a sacrificial love that sanctifies and cleanses. This is not a passive role but an active commitment to the spiritual growth of the household. A husband must ensure that his love is not just emotional or material but deeply rooted in Scripture, guiding his family toward holiness.
Joshua 24:15 declares, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This is the defining statement of a spiritual leader. A man must make a clear, unwavering stand that his household will follow Christ, rejecting the temptations of the world and placing faith as the foundation of their lives.
Model a Love for God
A man cannot lead his family to God if he is not deeply connected to Him. This means maintaining a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, and Bible study.
Demonstrate a hunger for the Word, a life of obedience, and a love for righteousness so that your wife and children see Christ in you.
Proverbs 20:7 states, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." A leader's faithfulness impacts generations.
2. Make Prayer a Priority
Pray with and for your family regularly. A home that prays together stays rooted in God’s truth.
Teach your children how to pray, and encourage your wife through prayerful leadership.
Bring the family together for prayer at meals, bedtime, and in times of decision-making.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, "Pray without ceasing." A household leader must cultivate a home filled with prayer.
3. Lead by Teaching and Discipleship
Spiritual leadership includes discipling your family in God’s Word. Set aside time for family devotionals, Bible reading, and discussions about faith.
Guide your wife and children toward biblical truth, ensuring they understand the gospel and how to live it out daily.
Encourage your family to memorize Scripture and discuss its application in everyday life.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." A leader must be intentional in biblical instruction.
4. Encourage Holiness in the Home
What happens within the walls of your home should honor God. This means protecting your family from influences that contradict biblical values and establishing an atmosphere where faith thrives.
Set standards in entertainment, conversations, and habits that reflect the holiness of God.
Lead by example in purity, integrity, and humility, so your family follows suit.
1 Peter 1:15 reminds us, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation."
5. Make Christ the Foundation
The spiritual leader ensures that every decision—financial, relational, or parental—is rooted in Scripture.
The family’s purpose, priorities, and pursuits should be centered on serving the Lord.
Instill in your home the truth that life is not about personal success but about glorifying God in all things.
Matthew 7:24-25 teaches, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Why Spiritual Leadership Matters
A man’s spiritual leadership shapes the home. If he is absent in his leadership, his family will look elsewhere for guidance. The world is constantly influencing the minds of wives and children, leading them away from God’s design. A passive leader leaves his home vulnerable, while a godly leader builds a strong foundation that withstands trials and cultural pressures.
Spiritual leadership is not about control or dominance—it is about servanthood. Jesus led by humbling Himself and serving others. Likewise, a household leader must serve his family with love, patience, and grace, guiding them toward God with steadfast faith.
Mark 10:45 reminds us, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The best leaders follow Christ’s example of selfless service.
A Household Set Apart
Being the spiritual leader of your home is not just a duty—it is a calling. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. When a man leads spiritually, his family flourishes in faith, his wife feels secure in his love, and his children grow up knowing what it means to follow Christ.
A household that serves the Lord is one that thrives. It is a home where faith is not just a part of life but the foundation of everything. As a man, make the decision today: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
