Every father is called to lead his wife and children in the family experience of corporate worship. Here are 4 ways a father can lead in this critical area of Christian responsibility.

First, fathers must insist that church is a priority, not a last option. Apart from illness, there should be no question about whether or not the family is going to church on Sunday. The father should lead in this routine, and that leadership should begin sooner than Sunday morning. Fathers, remember that you will have less than 1,000 Sundays to take your kid to church before they turn 18. Make the most of that time, and insist that church attendance is a priority!

Second, carry a Bible, sing loudly, and take notes. Fathers, your kids are watching you at church. If the see you scrolling through your phone during the sermon, they will assume that what’s being said from the pulpit is of little interest to you. If they see you staring off into space while the congregation is singing, they will assume that you are not interested in acknowledging and celebrating the glory of God. If they see you without a Bible in hand, they will assume Bibles are optional. Fathers, be engaged at church!

Third, speak positively about your church and the people at your church. I’ve attended church my entire life, nursery up to the present. Over the course of four decades, I have come to realize that you won’t be best friends with everyone who attends your church. In fact, some people who are members at your church will be annoying and frustrating. I also recognize that in any church there will be “things” you don’t like or approve of. Still, if fathers get in the car after church and start griping about people and problems, your children will grow up thinking that church is a problem to be avoided.

Fourth, lead your family in a Lord’s Day discussion of what they learned at church. This point moves from the experience of corporate worship to family worship. These discussions can take place over lunch, they can take place later on the Lord’s Day, or they can take place mid-week. Whenever you talk to your kids about what they learned at church, having these conversations forces your kids to think about what happened at church and why it matters. These times also show your children that you are the leader of your home in spiritual matters, and it communicates that what happens at church ought to impact the rest of our lives. Fathers, follow up with your kids after church. Ask questions. Read verses. pray together. Lead your family in corporate and family worship.