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Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes
God has mandated the transfer of his truth from one generation to the next. Because this transfer takes place primarily in the home, Voddie Baucham Jr. seeks to guide men in faithfully shepherding their families.
Derived from Baucham’s monthly meetings with men in his church, Family Shepherds calls men to accountability for their God-given responsibilities as husbands and fathers. This book will inspire them to live better, love better, and lead better so that their families will thrive in every way.
Baucham’s clear style and practical approach will help men protect their marriage, raise kingdom-minded children, value the synergy between church and home, and navigate difficult family dynamics. It will inspire them to carefully evaluate and live out their role in all areas of life.
Family Shepherds is a book that every father needs and that every church will want as a resource for training the men in their congregations.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
334 people are currently reading
1659 people want to read
About the author
Voddie T. Baucham Jr.
29 books786 followersVoddie Baucham wears many hats. He is a husband, father, pastor, author, professor, conference speaker and church planter. He currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. He has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He has also lectured at Southern Seminary.
Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged.
Voddie’s area of emphasis is Cultural Apologetics. Whether teaching on classical apologetic issues like the validity and historicity of the Bible, or the resurrection of Christ; or teaching on biblical manhood/ womanhood, marriage and family, he helps ordinary people understand the significance of thinking and living biblically in every area of life.
It is impossible to understand Voddie’s approach to the Bible without first understanding the path he has walked. Raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home, Voddie did not hear the gospel until he was in college. His journey to faith was a very unusual and intellectual one. Consequently, he understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can.
Voddie Baucham holds degrees from Houston Baptist University (BA in Christianity/BA in Sociology), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), an honorary degree from Southern California Seminary (D.D.), and additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England (Regent’s Park College).
Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have six children, Jasmine L. Holmes, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, and Micah. They are committed home educators.
Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged.
Voddie’s area of emphasis is Cultural Apologetics. Whether teaching on classical apologetic issues like the validity and historicity of the Bible, or the resurrection of Christ; or teaching on biblical manhood/ womanhood, marriage and family, he helps ordinary people understand the significance of thinking and living biblically in every area of life.
It is impossible to understand Voddie’s approach to the Bible without first understanding the path he has walked. Raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home, Voddie did not hear the gospel until he was in college. His journey to faith was a very unusual and intellectual one. Consequently, he understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can.
Voddie Baucham holds degrees from Houston Baptist University (BA in Christianity/BA in Sociology), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), an honorary degree from Southern California Seminary (D.D.), and additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England (Regent’s Park College).
Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have six children, Jasmine L. Holmes, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, and Micah. They are committed home educators.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
October 1, 2025
Great book, every husband and father as well as those aspiring should read this. Ladies ought to read this as well to see what to look for in a husband.
February 13, 2021
This was the first book that I listened to of Baucham Jr. He’s definitely a great author. Specifically, he discusses the importance of the male to understand his role as the head and to lead his family as the head in such a way as to glorify God. He hits many points in marriage and raising children and highlights the male role in these important areas of life. I would definitely recommend giving this book a listen.
September 23, 2020
Excelente leitura. Todo homem desejoso de crescer no exercício de seu papel dentro de casa irá se beneficiar do conteúdo do livro.
June 2, 2024
Baucham does a great job of laying out the plain teaching of fathers functioning as just that: fathers (family shepherds) who step up to lead a godly family. The book is biblical, pastoral, direct, and concise. It is a refreshing read and I would highly recommend it to men who are fathers, about to be fathers, or desiring to be a father.
January 16, 2012
Voddie leaves behind some of his traditional decisive language to call men to step up as heads of households. It was in typical Voddie style, challenging and convicting. The most helpful portions were the two chapters on formative and corrective discipline. Interestingly, he takes Michael Pearl and To Train up a Child, a pillar of the homeschool movement, to task. Voddie was admittedly a proponent of the book only a couple years ago but has soured on it after another close read. He calls Pearl a behavioral Pelagian who misunderstands the Gospel and has effectively lead a generation of parents astray. Family Shepherds is by far the most Gospel saturated of his books. To his credit, he has clearly listened to the critiques of his views and takes great pains to clarify his ecclesiology and soteriology. In attempt to do so however, I found the book very disjointed and fragmented. It seemed to be almost an anthology of his views on marriage, biblical leadership, multigenerational discipleship vs. peer to peer, the Gospel, church membership, the Kingdom. I agree with all of what he says but each chapter could have been a book in itself. One has to wonder if Voddie, desperate to bridge the doctrinally-sound family integrated community with more mainstream evangelical leaders was simply extending an olive branch through this publication. He quotes many modern and Puritan leaders. It read almost like a vision of ministry rather than a cohesive and practical argument for a return to biblical male headship. I think Family Driven Faith was a much better book but if you're looking for a flyover of various issues facing the church today, this is a fruitful and easy read.
July 10, 2021
Family Shepherds is a book that instructs men on becoming wise, biblically sound leaders of their families. Yet much of the teaching in this book is applicable to the lives of many, especially when it comes to the foundations of our beliefs and how we should evaluate our lifestyle. If you want sound theology being applied to a modern lifestyle, this is an ideal book to read.
January 9, 2026
Find A Better Model
What I liked:
• The overall premise. Our churches and communities would be better if fathers viewed their family as the primary place to exercise faithfulness to God’s call.
• The emphasis on the Gospel. We need the reminder that what our children really need isn’t better behavior, it’s heart-level transformation by grace.
• The practical examples of family rhythms. This includes family worship, catechism, and husbands prioritizing loving and serving their wives.
What I disliked:
• Baucham’s rejection of modern church positions, psychology, and opposing views. Baucham criticizes youth pastors as a modern construct and rejects well-known Christian psychologists as heretics. His message is basically, “If you’re not living like the Puritans, you’re doing it wrong.”
• Baucham’s coverage of male headship. Baucham uses combative language, talking about “feminism’s war on male headship.” He quotes the worst arguments against his own position and largely brushes over issues of abuse (which have become much more visible since this book was written in 2011). Baucham energizes his base but does little to engage thoughtfully with critiques of his own view.
• Baucham’s heavy-handed parenting. First, Baucham repeats his combative language, giving chapters 10-12 the subtitle, “How to raise kingdom-minded warriors,” as if that’s something Jesus ever asked for (see John 13:12-17, or John 18:36, or Matthew 26:52). Second, Baucham spends a chapter on our children’s fallen state (calling children “vipers in diapers”) and two more on discipline, never once extolling the virtue of encouraging or enjoying our children.
The trouble isn’t that I disagree on many of Baucham’s main points. The trouble is that since 2011, I believe there’s ample evidence to suggest that Baucham’s heavy-handed, puritanical, and exclusive view of family shepherds has borne rotten fruit. Too much abuse has been uncovered. Too many “shepherds” have shown themselves to be wolves. W. Edwards Deming said rightly, “Every system is perfectly designed to get the result that it does.” Baucham argues his system is saturated in Scripture and that abuse is just the unfortunate exception. But if the fruit is bad, the tree is bad. If you’re looking for a book on fatherhood, find a better model—one that rejects “Kingdom-Minded Warriors” and instead picks up the staff of the good Shepherd.
(One suggestion: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil Comer)
What I liked:
• The overall premise. Our churches and communities would be better if fathers viewed their family as the primary place to exercise faithfulness to God’s call.
• The emphasis on the Gospel. We need the reminder that what our children really need isn’t better behavior, it’s heart-level transformation by grace.
• The practical examples of family rhythms. This includes family worship, catechism, and husbands prioritizing loving and serving their wives.
What I disliked:
• Baucham’s rejection of modern church positions, psychology, and opposing views. Baucham criticizes youth pastors as a modern construct and rejects well-known Christian psychologists as heretics. His message is basically, “If you’re not living like the Puritans, you’re doing it wrong.”
• Baucham’s coverage of male headship. Baucham uses combative language, talking about “feminism’s war on male headship.” He quotes the worst arguments against his own position and largely brushes over issues of abuse (which have become much more visible since this book was written in 2011). Baucham energizes his base but does little to engage thoughtfully with critiques of his own view.
• Baucham’s heavy-handed parenting. First, Baucham repeats his combative language, giving chapters 10-12 the subtitle, “How to raise kingdom-minded warriors,” as if that’s something Jesus ever asked for (see John 13:12-17, or John 18:36, or Matthew 26:52). Second, Baucham spends a chapter on our children’s fallen state (calling children “vipers in diapers”) and two more on discipline, never once extolling the virtue of encouraging or enjoying our children.
The trouble isn’t that I disagree on many of Baucham’s main points. The trouble is that since 2011, I believe there’s ample evidence to suggest that Baucham’s heavy-handed, puritanical, and exclusive view of family shepherds has borne rotten fruit. Too much abuse has been uncovered. Too many “shepherds” have shown themselves to be wolves. W. Edwards Deming said rightly, “Every system is perfectly designed to get the result that it does.” Baucham argues his system is saturated in Scripture and that abuse is just the unfortunate exception. But if the fruit is bad, the tree is bad. If you’re looking for a book on fatherhood, find a better model—one that rejects “Kingdom-Minded Warriors” and instead picks up the staff of the good Shepherd.
(One suggestion: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil Comer)
April 4, 2025
"I like the term 'family shepherd' for a number of reasons, including that it reminds me of the goal of my work: I'm shepherding my children toward Christ. My goal is not to raise children who conform to my hopes, wishes, dreams, or standards; my goal is to raise children who walk in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4)."
Voddie makes it clear from Scripture that men must fulfill their God-given responsibilities to lead their wives and children, and that they cannot pawn that responsibility off on anyone else. Must read for husbands and fathers, and for young men who desire to be husbands and fathers one day.
(This book kept reminding me of the final speech in the movie Courageous. Very exhortative and powerful read.)
Voddie makes it clear from Scripture that men must fulfill their God-given responsibilities to lead their wives and children, and that they cannot pawn that responsibility off on anyone else. Must read for husbands and fathers, and for young men who desire to be husbands and fathers one day.
(This book kept reminding me of the final speech in the movie Courageous. Very exhortative and powerful read.)
June 20, 2023
One of the best books I’ve ever read on men shepherding their families. Though I am a woman and wife, I found great nuggets in this for my own walk with the Lord and duty as a woman. I highly recommend all families give this a read, husbands and wives alike, both fathers and mothers. And I would even encourage singles to read too, as you can be encouraged to pray for both your future spouse, as well as the families you interact with often; in addition to your own edification and preparation for the possible roles that the Lord will have in store for you.
February 14, 2022
When I realized that there was a follow-up to "Family Driven Faith" it immediately shot up my want-to-read list, and while I don't think this book is as good as FDF, it was an encouraging and reinforcing reminder of the Christian father's role in the spiritual training in their home.
I want to start with the negative, this book suffers most from a lack of focus. Bauchum does not seem to have a clear audience in mind. He bounces between speaking directly to the average Christian father and making theological appeals to church leaders. I thought the book dragged in the unnecessary dive into Calvanism vs Pelagianism and the random asides about how the church should handle politics etc. These minor critics do not make it a bad book in any sense but it will keep me from buying several to hand out.
Overall, this is a helpful and enjoyable reinforcement of the ideas in Family Driven Faith. I would still recommend everyone to read that book first, this was an enjoyable second act. I enjoy getting to spend time with Voddie. His bold challenges for Christian fathers to step up rather than rely on ministers and social workers are inspiring. I owe much of my current success to the path he helped map out for me.
I would recommend this book to Christian fathers and church leaders looking for information about leading family men well.
I want to start with the negative, this book suffers most from a lack of focus. Bauchum does not seem to have a clear audience in mind. He bounces between speaking directly to the average Christian father and making theological appeals to church leaders. I thought the book dragged in the unnecessary dive into Calvanism vs Pelagianism and the random asides about how the church should handle politics etc. These minor critics do not make it a bad book in any sense but it will keep me from buying several to hand out.
Overall, this is a helpful and enjoyable reinforcement of the ideas in Family Driven Faith. I would still recommend everyone to read that book first, this was an enjoyable second act. I enjoy getting to spend time with Voddie. His bold challenges for Christian fathers to step up rather than rely on ministers and social workers are inspiring. I owe much of my current success to the path he helped map out for me.
I would recommend this book to Christian fathers and church leaders looking for information about leading family men well.
October 7, 2024
I first read this 6 or 7 years ago as a younger dad and was very impacted. As I read it again, I’m challenged afresh in my role as a father and husband. Though I don’t agree with every tittle, I’d quickly recommend this book to a new husband or a young father who has never considered the high calling God has placed upon his life. It’s full of scripture and practical tools.
April 20, 2022
Baucham nails it. Fatherhood is a high calling and Voddie gives great encouragement, sufficient warnings, and biblical perspective on shepherding a family.
December 16, 2022
Very good. Sometimes the audience he is writing to gets confused, is the book for men to become family shepherds or for elders to lead their men to be family shepherds.
May 26, 2023
An easy introduction into a difficult topic. 99% of what you find in this book will be the exact opposite of how society says men should be involved in the family and what a good household looks like. That's a good thing.
July 21, 2022
I am in step with Baucham with his call to action on family religion. I especially thought his chapter on formative discipline and his chapter on family religion were persuasive and galvanizing. I saw his family dysfunction example as spot-on, especially for what I see in the evangelical church (of which I am a part).
The reason for 2 stars:
On page 105 Baucham says "However, Paul's statement is at the end of a paragraph (Eph 5:15-21). Thus, 5:21 is an introductory statement that explains submission of believers in three contexts--wives to husbands..., children to parents..., and slaves to masters." Baucham is a gifted pastor, extremely intelligent, and intentional with his words. I find it quite unreasonable that Baucham is not aware that paragraphs, punctation and word spacings are not part of the original text. I also find it quite unreasonable--and even disingenuous--to neglect that chapter breaks are modern, and that section titles are an interpretation by modern translators. Furthermore, Baucham chooses passages from Bible translations because they reinforce his preconceived ideas: for example, his discussion on page 140 called "Family Shepherds Must See Spanking As Literal" and page 142 where "Family Shepherds Must See Spanking as Necessary." Choosing a Bible translation solely because it supports your existing interpretation is dangerous. The translation here is the ESV; it actually makes me question the veracity of the ESV translation if unique (called "novel" translations by Baucham) interpretations in the translation are vehemently supported by those who agree with the translation, despite their novelty.
Because of this open bias, it is difficult to trust Baucham's honesty when teaching about already controversial topics such as marriage-- especially his refutation of egalitarianism--and child rearing (specifically his section on "corrective discipline").
Why I almost gave 1 star:
1) On page 34 (and in a couple other areas), Baucham seems to be advocating that women & girls should primarily learn about Jesus at home, instead of wherever men & boys learn about Jesus. (He draws a clear distinction based on sex.)
2) On page 85, in the section titled "Active Sanctification" Baucham says A) "By Active Sancitification, I mean those things God directs us to do...with a view towards sanctification of our spouse...", B) "The husband is to work actively..towards his wife's sanctification", and C) "..the groom must actively seek the sanctification of his bride." I am a mere laymen, but is this not heretical? It is the Spirit's job to sanctify, not a spouse's. Is not sanctification the ongoing work of the Spirit of God within a Christian, causing them to be evermore Christlike? The lack of clarifying statements by Baucham on this topic is worrisome.
3) On page 30 Baucham completely abrogates the hard work and dedication to the kingdom of Pricilla! Even though she is out with Aquila preaching and training (Acts 18:26--the student is Apollos), Baucham draws a conclusion the Bible does not even imply, and asserts that women really shouldn't be doing that sort of thing. How astonishing of a statement he makes here. It really makes me boil. :)
Thanks all! Don't forget to read your Bible and pray more than you read secondary lit!
The reason for 2 stars:
On page 105 Baucham says "However, Paul's statement is at the end of a paragraph (Eph 5:15-21). Thus, 5:21 is an introductory statement that explains submission of believers in three contexts--wives to husbands..., children to parents..., and slaves to masters." Baucham is a gifted pastor, extremely intelligent, and intentional with his words. I find it quite unreasonable that Baucham is not aware that paragraphs, punctation and word spacings are not part of the original text. I also find it quite unreasonable--and even disingenuous--to neglect that chapter breaks are modern, and that section titles are an interpretation by modern translators. Furthermore, Baucham chooses passages from Bible translations because they reinforce his preconceived ideas: for example, his discussion on page 140 called "Family Shepherds Must See Spanking As Literal" and page 142 where "Family Shepherds Must See Spanking as Necessary." Choosing a Bible translation solely because it supports your existing interpretation is dangerous. The translation here is the ESV; it actually makes me question the veracity of the ESV translation if unique (called "novel" translations by Baucham) interpretations in the translation are vehemently supported by those who agree with the translation, despite their novelty.
Because of this open bias, it is difficult to trust Baucham's honesty when teaching about already controversial topics such as marriage-- especially his refutation of egalitarianism--and child rearing (specifically his section on "corrective discipline").
Why I almost gave 1 star:
1) On page 34 (and in a couple other areas), Baucham seems to be advocating that women & girls should primarily learn about Jesus at home, instead of wherever men & boys learn about Jesus. (He draws a clear distinction based on sex.)
2) On page 85, in the section titled "Active Sanctification" Baucham says A) "By Active Sancitification, I mean those things God directs us to do...with a view towards sanctification of our spouse...", B) "The husband is to work actively..towards his wife's sanctification", and C) "..the groom must actively seek the sanctification of his bride." I am a mere laymen, but is this not heretical? It is the Spirit's job to sanctify, not a spouse's. Is not sanctification the ongoing work of the Spirit of God within a Christian, causing them to be evermore Christlike? The lack of clarifying statements by Baucham on this topic is worrisome.
3) On page 30 Baucham completely abrogates the hard work and dedication to the kingdom of Pricilla! Even though she is out with Aquila preaching and training (Acts 18:26--the student is Apollos), Baucham draws a conclusion the Bible does not even imply, and asserts that women really shouldn't be doing that sort of thing. How astonishing of a statement he makes here. It really makes me boil. :)
Thanks all! Don't forget to read your Bible and pray more than you read secondary lit!
April 20, 2018
Some men from my church met together for breakfast and a discussion about this book for three weeks. It was a great resource for that type of study. Along with the discussion, reading the book on my own was a great reminder of many Biblical truths and injunctions about the role of fathers.
Although Pastor Baucham talks about how much of what he is saying is alien to many church-going men, my experience has been different. I have been a part of four churches since my college days. While none were perfect, all strove to emphasize the role of fathers in the family.
But even though I have been well taught and mentored, I needed to be reminded of the lessons of this book. And even though my children are in their upper teens and twenties, I need to be called to account for my role as the family shepherd.
Although Pastor Baucham talks about how much of what he is saying is alien to many church-going men, my experience has been different. I have been a part of four churches since my college days. While none were perfect, all strove to emphasize the role of fathers in the family.
But even though I have been well taught and mentored, I needed to be reminded of the lessons of this book. And even though my children are in their upper teens and twenties, I need to be called to account for my role as the family shepherd.
August 13, 2015
Excelente como sempre!
April 27, 2025
a must read for me fellow fathers. easy to read, easy to understand, no excuses, stakes are high, reward abundant, faithfulness mandatory! lead!
May 7, 2025
Still so good. Working through this with a handful of other fathers in our church has proved to be a great discipleship tool for training myself and others.
January 3, 2024
Allow me to preface this review by stating that it is cursory and is by no means an in-depth, critical review of the book. Voddie has been (and continues to be) a herald of clear, Gospel truth applied in a multiplicity of areas (cultural apologetics, race & justice, pastoral ministry) and in this book, with family & parenting. I’ll list its particular strengths, weaknesses, and my overall impression after reading through it.
STRENGTHS
Voddie makes a strong case for the vital importance of the father’s role as a family shepherd. So much of the health and vitality of a marriage and family depends upon a father who takes seriously his sober calling to lead and love his wife and shepherd his children. He makes a strong, compelling, biblical case for fathers to pursue what God has called them to be: family shepherds, leaders of their homes, and the primary disciple-makers of their children. With each chapter, one feels the weight and responsibility of fathering and the sober calling to be a family shepherd. This calling is for all fathers, all husbands, all dads; not for the ones who are really passionate about their faith, really involved in their church, and really read their Bible. The calling is for all fathers. Don’t expect your church or the youth pastor to disciple your children for you. Family shepherds who raise their children to love Lord are raising a generation whom God will use to change the world. For a father who is uncertain about his role as a husband and dad, this book is a must read.
WEAKNESSES:
I gave this book three stars for a number of reasons; some stylistic, and some theological.
First, stylistic weaknesses. Despite how strong of a case this book is for the necessity of fathers to be family shepherds, it is severely lacking in tangible application points. Nearly every chapter, particularly the ones on formative and corrective discipline, I found myself wanting. The comment that I wrote most often in the margins was, “okay, so what does this look like?” As a new dad, I was eager to read of examples of what male headship or family catechism looked like. I was found wanting. Every chapter is a sort of mini-polemic for its topic and importance. As a reader who already affirms its importance and in theological alignment with most of the views, I wanted to read about what x looked like in a regular week. Voddie often makes the point that to shepherd is to both teach and to model. This book is a case of the former and severely lacking the latter.
Voddie occasionally has a theological soapbox moment throughout the book. For example, he raises disagreement on age-segregated ministry, youth ministers, and childrens’ ministers, citing that such offices are not found in the pages of the New Testament. The modern advent of age-segregated ministry has led to parents taking a back seat concerning the discipleship and formation of their children. These “soapbox” moments are more confusing than helpful. The uncritical reader is left with the impression that youth groups are unbiblical at best and bad at worst, and these comments are better suited for a separate chapter or book.
The overall style of argument is “if you neglect to pursue virtue x, consequence y will happen.” This style of argument creates the gravity of the sober calling to be a family shepherd. And yes, and amen, neglect to pursue the calling to love your wives and disciple your children does have serious consequences indeed. For a dad who is resigned or absent, such a sober warning is exactly what he needs to hear to stir him to action. However, I found that this style of argument consistent throughout the book creates a sort of fear-based approach to shepherding, rather than one of joy and delight compounded with sober responsibility. if I as a dad neglect x, y and z, there are severe implications and consequences on my family, so I better do them. True, but I don’t think this style of argument is compelling, as the world is full of the consequences of fathers not loving & discipling their children. What would have made this book more compelling is an argument for the joy, privilege, and fruits of being a family shepherd. I finished the book and wanted to ask Voddie, “what fruit have you seen God produce in your family as a result of being a family shepherd? What do you love the most? What has brought you the most joy, the best memories?”
Second, theological weaknesses. His theological soapbox moments on age-segregated ministry reflect a church polity that views any constructed office beyond what is explicitly stated in the New Testament as unbiblical. Thus, youth pastors, children’s ministers, young adults pastors, etc are unbiblical church offices. What is meant by unbiblical? Wrong? Or beyond the bounds of the New Testament? Thus, by extension, are admin assistants, secretaries, librarians, facilities staff, etc also unbiblical? In the chapter on church membership, Voddie cites Eph. 4 in the context of a healthy ecclesiology. Listed are the various offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Thus, by Voddie’s hermeneutic, churches ought not only to have the office of pastors/elder/overseer & deacon, but also apostle, prophet, evangelist, and teacher. Yet most churches do not affirm all of these as official church offices. Thus creates the need for these soapbox moments to be relegated to another book altogether.
Baucham’s chapter on corrective discipline makes a polemic for corporal punishment (e.g. spanking) hinging on a literal interpretation of “the rod” from a number of verses chiefly from Proverbs. Yes, parents are biblically commanded to discipline their children, which includes spanking, however, Baucham’s brevity due to what is “clear” from the text is simplistic and somewhat problematic rather than helpful. For ex, by a literal interpretation, what type of rod ought to be used? Ought a father strike his child on the back as the text of Proverbs says, or on the buttocks, as is most commonly practiced? What does a father do if spanking is ineffective (it certainly was ineffective for me when I was a child!)? Baucham’s argument essentially is if you’re not spanking you’re doing it wrong. This ignores and dismisses the value of other forms of discipline that are equally, if not more effective than spanking.
IMPRESSIONS:
Voddie’s book tells me I need to be a family shepherd. I must be one. I am called by God to be one for my wife and my children. Yes, and amen. I agree wholeheartedly. Lord, make me into a shepherd for my family. This book lays in me a strong sense of duty, responsibility, and sobriety. Voddie says many things in this book that provoked my spirit to rise up within me and say, “Yes, Lord, I long to be like this, and I rise to the challenge!” However, it lays a very weak sense of the joy and delight in doing so.
I would recommend this book to the man who is eager to learn more about what it means to be a husband, father, and church member because he knows very little about it. I would not recommend it to the one is motivated and zealous for these things who is looking for practical ways to work them out in his own marriage and family. Overall, this book is very good, and if it were more carefully and practically written, I would have given it a higher rating. Despite that, I think it should be a must-read for every Christian husband and father.
STRENGTHS
Voddie makes a strong case for the vital importance of the father’s role as a family shepherd. So much of the health and vitality of a marriage and family depends upon a father who takes seriously his sober calling to lead and love his wife and shepherd his children. He makes a strong, compelling, biblical case for fathers to pursue what God has called them to be: family shepherds, leaders of their homes, and the primary disciple-makers of their children. With each chapter, one feels the weight and responsibility of fathering and the sober calling to be a family shepherd. This calling is for all fathers, all husbands, all dads; not for the ones who are really passionate about their faith, really involved in their church, and really read their Bible. The calling is for all fathers. Don’t expect your church or the youth pastor to disciple your children for you. Family shepherds who raise their children to love Lord are raising a generation whom God will use to change the world. For a father who is uncertain about his role as a husband and dad, this book is a must read.
WEAKNESSES:
I gave this book three stars for a number of reasons; some stylistic, and some theological.
First, stylistic weaknesses. Despite how strong of a case this book is for the necessity of fathers to be family shepherds, it is severely lacking in tangible application points. Nearly every chapter, particularly the ones on formative and corrective discipline, I found myself wanting. The comment that I wrote most often in the margins was, “okay, so what does this look like?” As a new dad, I was eager to read of examples of what male headship or family catechism looked like. I was found wanting. Every chapter is a sort of mini-polemic for its topic and importance. As a reader who already affirms its importance and in theological alignment with most of the views, I wanted to read about what x looked like in a regular week. Voddie often makes the point that to shepherd is to both teach and to model. This book is a case of the former and severely lacking the latter.
Voddie occasionally has a theological soapbox moment throughout the book. For example, he raises disagreement on age-segregated ministry, youth ministers, and childrens’ ministers, citing that such offices are not found in the pages of the New Testament. The modern advent of age-segregated ministry has led to parents taking a back seat concerning the discipleship and formation of their children. These “soapbox” moments are more confusing than helpful. The uncritical reader is left with the impression that youth groups are unbiblical at best and bad at worst, and these comments are better suited for a separate chapter or book.
The overall style of argument is “if you neglect to pursue virtue x, consequence y will happen.” This style of argument creates the gravity of the sober calling to be a family shepherd. And yes, and amen, neglect to pursue the calling to love your wives and disciple your children does have serious consequences indeed. For a dad who is resigned or absent, such a sober warning is exactly what he needs to hear to stir him to action. However, I found that this style of argument consistent throughout the book creates a sort of fear-based approach to shepherding, rather than one of joy and delight compounded with sober responsibility. if I as a dad neglect x, y and z, there are severe implications and consequences on my family, so I better do them. True, but I don’t think this style of argument is compelling, as the world is full of the consequences of fathers not loving & discipling their children. What would have made this book more compelling is an argument for the joy, privilege, and fruits of being a family shepherd. I finished the book and wanted to ask Voddie, “what fruit have you seen God produce in your family as a result of being a family shepherd? What do you love the most? What has brought you the most joy, the best memories?”
Second, theological weaknesses. His theological soapbox moments on age-segregated ministry reflect a church polity that views any constructed office beyond what is explicitly stated in the New Testament as unbiblical. Thus, youth pastors, children’s ministers, young adults pastors, etc are unbiblical church offices. What is meant by unbiblical? Wrong? Or beyond the bounds of the New Testament? Thus, by extension, are admin assistants, secretaries, librarians, facilities staff, etc also unbiblical? In the chapter on church membership, Voddie cites Eph. 4 in the context of a healthy ecclesiology. Listed are the various offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Thus, by Voddie’s hermeneutic, churches ought not only to have the office of pastors/elder/overseer & deacon, but also apostle, prophet, evangelist, and teacher. Yet most churches do not affirm all of these as official church offices. Thus creates the need for these soapbox moments to be relegated to another book altogether.
Baucham’s chapter on corrective discipline makes a polemic for corporal punishment (e.g. spanking) hinging on a literal interpretation of “the rod” from a number of verses chiefly from Proverbs. Yes, parents are biblically commanded to discipline their children, which includes spanking, however, Baucham’s brevity due to what is “clear” from the text is simplistic and somewhat problematic rather than helpful. For ex, by a literal interpretation, what type of rod ought to be used? Ought a father strike his child on the back as the text of Proverbs says, or on the buttocks, as is most commonly practiced? What does a father do if spanking is ineffective (it certainly was ineffective for me when I was a child!)? Baucham’s argument essentially is if you’re not spanking you’re doing it wrong. This ignores and dismisses the value of other forms of discipline that are equally, if not more effective than spanking.
IMPRESSIONS:
Voddie’s book tells me I need to be a family shepherd. I must be one. I am called by God to be one for my wife and my children. Yes, and amen. I agree wholeheartedly. Lord, make me into a shepherd for my family. This book lays in me a strong sense of duty, responsibility, and sobriety. Voddie says many things in this book that provoked my spirit to rise up within me and say, “Yes, Lord, I long to be like this, and I rise to the challenge!” However, it lays a very weak sense of the joy and delight in doing so.
I would recommend this book to the man who is eager to learn more about what it means to be a husband, father, and church member because he knows very little about it. I would not recommend it to the one is motivated and zealous for these things who is looking for practical ways to work them out in his own marriage and family. Overall, this book is very good, and if it were more carefully and practically written, I would have given it a higher rating. Despite that, I think it should be a must-read for every Christian husband and father.
August 12, 2023
Fathers: Are you looking for a book on biblical fatherhood? Famous preacher Voddie Baucham has written an excellent book to equip biblical men with the role of leading their family. I finished this in July 2023 and I have been meaning to read this book for some time now; but I didn’t realize its been over ten years before I got around to it! Better late than never I supposed; and this book still remains relevant and helpful.
The book has fifteen chapters grouped in five parts. Part one is on the need to equip the shepherds of family (in three chapters), part two is on family discipleship and evangelism (also with three chapters) and part three is on marriage enrichment (three chapters also). Part four and five also has three chapters each with part four focused on the training and discipline of children and part five has evaluation of lifestyle.
A big plus for why I recommend this book is that the author is intentionally biblical in his approach to parenting and fatherhood. It might not be popular and loved by everyone; he does take on even bad approach (see chapter twelve) with unbiblical and Pelagian model of parenting and yet he doesn’t do it in a self-righteous way since he also noted how he’s also not been discerning in the past with bad books in the church library because he wasn’t discerning. I appreciate the author’s exhortation that a man’s identity should not be his work over his marriage and family; people’s job and career can change and it would not be a bad thing per se. But rather the responsibilities of family and marriage should come first. There’s biblical verses saturated throughout the book and biblical truths that drive Baucham’s exhortation. He calls father to call out sins to warn children and calling children to repent and forsake their sins and turn to Jesus.
I found this book helpful and good. I do want to read more books by Voodie Baucham.
The book has fifteen chapters grouped in five parts. Part one is on the need to equip the shepherds of family (in three chapters), part two is on family discipleship and evangelism (also with three chapters) and part three is on marriage enrichment (three chapters also). Part four and five also has three chapters each with part four focused on the training and discipline of children and part five has evaluation of lifestyle.
A big plus for why I recommend this book is that the author is intentionally biblical in his approach to parenting and fatherhood. It might not be popular and loved by everyone; he does take on even bad approach (see chapter twelve) with unbiblical and Pelagian model of parenting and yet he doesn’t do it in a self-righteous way since he also noted how he’s also not been discerning in the past with bad books in the church library because he wasn’t discerning. I appreciate the author’s exhortation that a man’s identity should not be his work over his marriage and family; people’s job and career can change and it would not be a bad thing per se. But rather the responsibilities of family and marriage should come first. There’s biblical verses saturated throughout the book and biblical truths that drive Baucham’s exhortation. He calls father to call out sins to warn children and calling children to repent and forsake their sins and turn to Jesus.
I found this book helpful and good. I do want to read more books by Voodie Baucham.
July 2, 2023
Baucham delivers yet another challenging read for those interested in centralizing the home and family around the Gospel. This particular book is focused on the primary role of the Father as shepherd of the family.
In this current Era it is a counter cultural message but a true one nonetheless. God has chosen men to lead their families and provide godly headship. I recommend this book to any man (single or married) who takes seriously the calling of God to lead their families or future families.
While I appreciate the brevity of the book at times it felt Voddie didn't go deep enough and brush over information that I would have liked to read more about. Sometimes authors fall into this trap where the book is vague in areas where more helpful examples or deeper examples would have helped.
In this current Era it is a counter cultural message but a true one nonetheless. God has chosen men to lead their families and provide godly headship. I recommend this book to any man (single or married) who takes seriously the calling of God to lead their families or future families.
While I appreciate the brevity of the book at times it felt Voddie didn't go deep enough and brush over information that I would have liked to read more about. Sometimes authors fall into this trap where the book is vague in areas where more helpful examples or deeper examples would have helped.
September 12, 2024
Read this book over the last couple months with a recent-married mens’ group. It’s a good read, challenging to think about the God-given responsibility that God has entrusted husbands and fathers with. The last 2 chapters (which I read in one sitting like 5 minutes ago) were not good - one about time management and another about being a citizen of two kingdoms (earthly and heavenly).
But this book came at a really good time for me, when my family is going through so many changes and my leadership is required in a way that is so much more tangible. The general reminder of my responsibility and calling was great, and some of the chapters had good practicals, but the focus of this book was definitely building a strong biblical foundation around the way that husbands and fathers lead their families.
But this book came at a really good time for me, when my family is going through so many changes and my leadership is required in a way that is so much more tangible. The general reminder of my responsibility and calling was great, and some of the chapters had good practicals, but the focus of this book was definitely building a strong biblical foundation around the way that husbands and fathers lead their families.
October 7, 2020
Much of this was inspiring and thought provoking, but some also seemed out of place, too deep, or out dated. I couldn’t tell who he thought his audience was as he bounced between simple English and very deep and complex seminary level Christian-ese.
The concept was clear, but I didn’t always agree with his conclusion or actions. I would recommend this book as a good conversation starter, but not necessarily a word for word book to live by.
The concept was clear, but I didn’t always agree with his conclusion or actions. I would recommend this book as a good conversation starter, but not necessarily a word for word book to live by.
September 14, 2019
Biblicamente fundamentado e ao mesmo tempo prático. Isso é sempre bom!
October 9, 2019
Excelente!
July 18, 2022
3.5
Faithful biblical insights and application. Some theological vernacular may frustrate the “typical” church member.
Faithful biblical insights and application. Some theological vernacular may frustrate the “typical” church member.
March 25, 2023
Very good.
January 25, 2024
O carte buna pentru pregatirea barbatilor in a fi lideri ai inchinarii in familia lor.
July 8, 2024
The perfect book to give to a dad or husband in your church. You’ll need to guide him away from Calvin though. 😜
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