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Being a Dad Who Leads
As a Christian father, you bear a tremendous responsibility―to raise your children through both biblical instruction and personal example. But how can you succeed in a society that attacks the role of fatherhood and godly family values? Are you sometimes tempted to give in or give up? The rewards of being a dad who leads are well worth making the effort to stand firm. The Bible offers clear guidance for dads on how to parent effectively. Join pastor-teacher John MacArthur as he looks at… Commit yourself to being a dad who leads, and God will enable you every step of the way. There’s no surer path to experiencing a lifetime of family blessings!
144 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2014
87 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,918 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 7, 2023
I'd suggest this book for new fathers and fathers with a lot of experience. At just 142 pages you can read it in one setting.
August 7, 2015
It was good, but I felt like a lot of it was a remix of previous material and I completely disagreed with the premises and conclusions of Chapter 2, primarily because he doesn't treat children as covenant children (which of course I knew) and because of the premise that "the good old days" were better for children. He also stated that we don't let children be children anymore but essentially make them miniature adults through TV and fashion. I know what he's getting at but I see the opposite problem: we as a society don't teach our children maturity and expect too little. Those who think fathers used to be strong and a constant presence in the home and have fallen away from that, don't know much about history! We have always been sinners.
There was much more but chapter 2 in particular I disagreed with most everything in his sociological and historical opinions.
There was much more but chapter 2 in particular I disagreed with most everything in his sociological and historical opinions.
June 21, 2015
Excellent little book on godly fatherly leadership in the home. MacArthur did a great job keeping this book both short, easy to read and packed full of biblically based leadership principles for Christian fathers. Another great parenting resource I well go back to myself again. I also plan to recommend it to other dads as well.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Very helpful and motivating for any dad to run the race set before us, trusting in Christ all the way. Highly recommend.
September 18, 2025
Such a blessing to be able to read this book with a little one on the way. This is vintage J Mac, simple & to the point. Practical yet rich.
February 9, 2016
This was once a free audio book of the month from christianaudio.com and I listened to it while shoveling snow in January. I don't think I'm the first to note that, in his prolific book publishing, MacArthur seems to get a little sloppy with his logic, facts, and flow. This book is relatively short, like most of his books, and is focused on fatherhood with a slant toward bringing up boys.
It is a pretty basic book, not a lot of deep insights here and even fewer personal anecdotes either from MacArthur's childhood or his personal parenting. Why not give examples of how he has led his family through difficult times or personal decisions?
Here is what I gleaned:
MacArthur begins by expositing Ephesians 5 and 6. Parenting begins with parents demonstrating sacrificial love for one another. The best parenting a father can do is demonstrating how he loves and cherishes his wife. In Ephesians 6, MacArthur reminds dads not to exacerbate (v.4) their children by being excessively harsh or unapproachable.
The context of Ephesians is the Roman culture of infanticide and exploitation. Romans would abandon children on hillsides, and later churches when it became clear that Christians would adopt the unwanted; or they would sell them into slavery or prostitution. So, Paul is elevating the status of both women and children, despite modern feminist commentary to the contrary. Christians
MacArthur writes that TV is the devil and largely to blame for society's ills. He falsely claims that violent crime has been on the rise since television got into households (violent crime has been trending downward for decades). This is common in many MacArthur books and sermons, when he strays from the biblical text he errs into what he thinks must be true even if verifiably false. That is dangerous. "If you don't teach your kids to love your neighbor, the devil will teach them to love themselves." Share the Gospel all the time. Conversion and discipleship is a lifelong process of guidance and correction-- not a one-time rote prayer to "ask Jesus into your heart."
MacArthur also walks through Proverbs, pulling out the parenting insights there. He closes the book with a retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son as a reminder that no son is too far gone to be forgiven. MacArthur has a sermon on the Prodigal Son that I consider one of the best I've ever heard, so the book ends on a real positive note.
In all, however, I give it about 2 stars. It is not very engaging, has the tangent on social ills that contain too many factual errors to be taken seriously, and is not very deep or personal.
It is a pretty basic book, not a lot of deep insights here and even fewer personal anecdotes either from MacArthur's childhood or his personal parenting. Why not give examples of how he has led his family through difficult times or personal decisions?
Here is what I gleaned:
MacArthur begins by expositing Ephesians 5 and 6. Parenting begins with parents demonstrating sacrificial love for one another. The best parenting a father can do is demonstrating how he loves and cherishes his wife. In Ephesians 6, MacArthur reminds dads not to exacerbate (v.4) their children by being excessively harsh or unapproachable.
The context of Ephesians is the Roman culture of infanticide and exploitation. Romans would abandon children on hillsides, and later churches when it became clear that Christians would adopt the unwanted; or they would sell them into slavery or prostitution. So, Paul is elevating the status of both women and children, despite modern feminist commentary to the contrary. Christians
MacArthur writes that TV is the devil and largely to blame for society's ills. He falsely claims that violent crime has been on the rise since television got into households (violent crime has been trending downward for decades). This is common in many MacArthur books and sermons, when he strays from the biblical text he errs into what he thinks must be true even if verifiably false. That is dangerous. "If you don't teach your kids to love your neighbor, the devil will teach them to love themselves." Share the Gospel all the time. Conversion and discipleship is a lifelong process of guidance and correction-- not a one-time rote prayer to "ask Jesus into your heart."
MacArthur also walks through Proverbs, pulling out the parenting insights there. He closes the book with a retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son as a reminder that no son is too far gone to be forgiven. MacArthur has a sermon on the Prodigal Son that I consider one of the best I've ever heard, so the book ends on a real positive note.
In all, however, I give it about 2 stars. It is not very engaging, has the tangent on social ills that contain too many factual errors to be taken seriously, and is not very deep or personal.
July 6, 2015
1. The Starting Point of a Dad's Leadership
[1 Corinthians 11] Paul upholds the concept of a man's headship in the family by appealing to the order of creation - man was created first, then woman - and the fact woman was created to help the man
2. Raising Your Children in the Lord, Part 1
Two Great Pressures Parents Face
External: brought upon our families by the culture around us
Internal: they are not born innocent with regard to evil
3. Raising Your Children in the Lord, Part 2
One of the challenges of parenting is the frequent need to adjust our guidance and rules so that they are commensurate with our children's age and maturity.
4. Leading Your Children to Grow in Wisdom
The pursuit of wisdom is an enterprise that yields great benefits. Where will they learn that lesson, if not from their father?
5. A Father's Love for a Rebellious Child
The prodigal father was so lavishly compassionate in his love that he was willing to suffer any humiliation to restore his long-lost son. So many parents do the exact opposite...
Philip Graham Ryken
6. A Call for Strong and Courageous Dads
In the context of the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul was urging his readers to have strength of conviction and have the courage to stand on it.
[1 Corinthians 11] Paul upholds the concept of a man's headship in the family by appealing to the order of creation - man was created first, then woman - and the fact woman was created to help the man
2. Raising Your Children in the Lord, Part 1
Two Great Pressures Parents Face
External: brought upon our families by the culture around us
Internal: they are not born innocent with regard to evil
3. Raising Your Children in the Lord, Part 2
One of the challenges of parenting is the frequent need to adjust our guidance and rules so that they are commensurate with our children's age and maturity.
4. Leading Your Children to Grow in Wisdom
The pursuit of wisdom is an enterprise that yields great benefits. Where will they learn that lesson, if not from their father?
5. A Father's Love for a Rebellious Child
The prodigal father was so lavishly compassionate in his love that he was willing to suffer any humiliation to restore his long-lost son. So many parents do the exact opposite...
Philip Graham Ryken
6. A Call for Strong and Courageous Dads
In the context of the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul was urging his readers to have strength of conviction and have the courage to stand on it.
July 13, 2015
Really enjoyed the clear writing. Also the emphasis on how important it is to love your wife first, so the children can learn from example. Biggest "ah-ha" moment was when he was talking about how the most important point of being a loving/leading father wasn't for behaviour modification (how we act in front of others), but to help show our children how we need our internal heart modified, which can only be done with the Christ. He followed this by giving a clear way to present the gospel to our children, that we are all born apart from God, we are all born sinners, and it is only Christ who has saved/is saving/will save us. The importance of a humble heart, honesty, integrity, conviction, and the list goes on. I also liked how it was a short book which gave it all impact.
:)
:)
June 1, 2014
MacArthur encouraging dads to be the leaders God wants. This is a short book, which is good for the busy dad that does not have a lot of time, but needs to read the truth for himself. MacArthur's strength is that he quotes a lot of scripture to back up what he is saying. I encourage dads to read this and pray that God helps you be a dad that leads his family in a godly manner.
June 25, 2015
Though MacArthur includes allot of great Bible content on being a Dad, he keeps things general without very much direct application and very few illustrations. I'm glad I listen to this audio book though. I can't get enough a good Bible teaching. Especially enjoyed MacArthur's teaching through the story of the prodigal Son and his 10 essential principles to teach your kids from Proverbs 1-10.
April 2, 2021
For such a short book, there was a lot packed into it and it seemed well organized in its ideas and themes. I love that the first part was about having a strong and loving relationship with your wife. I feel that needs to be emphasized more in life in general so it was good to see it in this book. The density of this book requires sections to be reread. Specifically, I will go back and read about the disappearing childhood for kids today and about the list of 10 things that fathers should teach their child. Overall, I liked the usage of scripture and the themes of not being quick to anger and to lead by being the example.
March 20, 2018
Excellent! Biblically Driven.
February 4, 2023
"No duty in my life is more important or sacred than my role as a husband and father. That is where my true character is most accurately seen, and it is the best single guage of my overall success or failure as a leader and role model." - Macarthur
This is a wonderful, concise encouraging book for Fathers and parents.
Macarthur unpacks key scriptures on parenting which especially hinge on:
-Ephesians 6:4 "Father's, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
He lists and describes some very practical ways that we CAN provoke our children to anger so we can avoid them:
1. By being overprotective
2. By showing favoritism
3. By setting unrealistic achievement goals
4. By allowing them to be overindulgent
5. By discouragement
6. By failing to make sacrifices for them
7. By failing to allow them to grow up
8. By neglect
9. By abusive words
10. By physical abuse
-Deuteronomy 6:7 "You shall teach God's Word diligently to your son's and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and rise up."
He argued that all parental admonitions in life and in God's Word will come down to these two principles. I agree whole-heardtedly and was greatly encouraged to ask myself, "Am I trying not to provoke my children, and to instruct them in the Lord before I do anything else?"
Is Christ the main focus of my home, my life and my parenting? Is it evident to my children that my primary daily objective is to impart wisdom and a love of Christ in them? All else is secondary to this main daily objective.
This is a wonderful, concise encouraging book for Fathers and parents.
Macarthur unpacks key scriptures on parenting which especially hinge on:
-Ephesians 6:4 "Father's, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
He lists and describes some very practical ways that we CAN provoke our children to anger so we can avoid them:
1. By being overprotective
2. By showing favoritism
3. By setting unrealistic achievement goals
4. By allowing them to be overindulgent
5. By discouragement
6. By failing to make sacrifices for them
7. By failing to allow them to grow up
8. By neglect
9. By abusive words
10. By physical abuse
-Deuteronomy 6:7 "You shall teach God's Word diligently to your son's and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and rise up."
He argued that all parental admonitions in life and in God's Word will come down to these two principles. I agree whole-heardtedly and was greatly encouraged to ask myself, "Am I trying not to provoke my children, and to instruct them in the Lord before I do anything else?"
Is Christ the main focus of my home, my life and my parenting? Is it evident to my children that my primary daily objective is to impart wisdom and a love of Christ in them? All else is secondary to this main daily objective.
July 12, 2014
John MacArthur's book Narrated by Maurice England is a guide for fathers who wish to be leaders in their home. When many fathers today are absent and spend more time on their careers than with their family this audiobook is a merciful response to the question how can I be a better leader in my home.
As a Christian John MacArthur's guidence comes directly from the Bible. At a time when Christian values and ideas are coming under attack MacAurthur lays out the scriptural basis for Fathers being Leaders in their homes.
Political Correctness is set aside as Biblicial Truth on Loving your Wife as Jesus Christ loved the church. Setting examples for your children by living a Holy and Spiritual uplifting life, and teaching your children biblical truth while giving them room to grow.
The second half of this audiobook talks about what it means to be a Biblicly based Father Figure. Using examples from both the New and Old Testement MacAuthur describes a self sacrificing life where forgiveness and love override the societal norms of shunning and disapproval seen in today's culture.
Unconditional Love is presented as an alternative to the "I told you so" correction so many fathers hand out today as instruction that actually destroys a child.
Maurice England's narration of this audiobook is clear and easy to understand. His inflection and emphasis is just the right amount to give the listener the understanding from the authors written word.
Being a Dad who Leads, is an Excelent book on Leadership at any level but to its audience especially.
As a Christian John MacArthur's guidence comes directly from the Bible. At a time when Christian values and ideas are coming under attack MacAurthur lays out the scriptural basis for Fathers being Leaders in their homes.
Political Correctness is set aside as Biblicial Truth on Loving your Wife as Jesus Christ loved the church. Setting examples for your children by living a Holy and Spiritual uplifting life, and teaching your children biblical truth while giving them room to grow.
The second half of this audiobook talks about what it means to be a Biblicly based Father Figure. Using examples from both the New and Old Testement MacAuthur describes a self sacrificing life where forgiveness and love override the societal norms of shunning and disapproval seen in today's culture.
Unconditional Love is presented as an alternative to the "I told you so" correction so many fathers hand out today as instruction that actually destroys a child.
Maurice England's narration of this audiobook is clear and easy to understand. His inflection and emphasis is just the right amount to give the listener the understanding from the authors written word.
Being a Dad who Leads, is an Excelent book on Leadership at any level but to its audience especially.
February 23, 2019
I’m not completely sure how I came across this book, but I remember thinking it would be a quick read. I was looking forward to gleaning any information from it in terms of parenting my 1 year old daughter. All I ended up experiencing was a handful of eyebrow raises and chuckles. MacArthur brings an archaic, sexist philosophy on parenting and marriage to the table. I did enjoy the bits of exegesis-style, cultural context. However, I would have expected these scholar-like connections to have been put forth in a more well-rounded, unbiased fashion throughout. He seems to cherrypick whatever context pieces fit his works-based faith and male headship agenda. Everyone has an intention with their published work, but I find this one to be particularly harmful. The style of writing was repetitive and drawn out. It wasn’t put forth in a manner that was engaging or inspirational. I’ve not read anything else of the author but anyone who believes this strongly that women are the weaker sex (mentally and physically) and that we should instill a fear of hell in our children as early as possible is not someone I need on my bookshelves.
June 29, 2015
Becoming a dad is one of the interesting things in life that can happen to any man, especially when the journey to that role goes through the right path.
Staying there and performing the duties that come with the role however is where many fail because performing in the role is no easy job.
In the midst of everything that could possibly go wrong, the Bible presents the basic truths every current and future dad needs to become a model, a positive example and a leader in their homes to their wives and children.
In "Being a Dad Who Leads", John F. MacArthur Jr. further simplifies the fundamental truths at the heart of successful fatherhood. Using everyday examples and instances, MacArthur demonstrates how every man can become and remain dads who are loving, exemplary and leaders in their children's lives.
The book is short (in six chapters) yet comprehensive and simple enough for everyone to read, understand and apply.
Staying there and performing the duties that come with the role however is where many fail because performing in the role is no easy job.
In the midst of everything that could possibly go wrong, the Bible presents the basic truths every current and future dad needs to become a model, a positive example and a leader in their homes to their wives and children.
In "Being a Dad Who Leads", John F. MacArthur Jr. further simplifies the fundamental truths at the heart of successful fatherhood. Using everyday examples and instances, MacArthur demonstrates how every man can become and remain dads who are loving, exemplary and leaders in their children's lives.
The book is short (in six chapters) yet comprehensive and simple enough for everyone to read, understand and apply.
June 29, 2020
“No duty in my life is more important or more sacred than my role as a husband and father. That is where my true character is most accurately seen, and it is the best single gauge of my overall success or failure as a leader and role model.”
Excellent short, concise, practical, and convicting read that is a must for every father pursuing to train up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. I love how Macarthur highlights that the starting point of being a “brave dad” is in fulfilling the “husband’s supreme responsibility- loving his wife.”
“At all times, make God’s Word a part of your speech, your attitudes, and your actions.” ... “Let your kids see that your life is dominated by God’s truth. All of life is a classroom; everything that happens is an opportunity to point your children to the scriptures.”
Excellent short, concise, practical, and convicting read that is a must for every father pursuing to train up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. I love how Macarthur highlights that the starting point of being a “brave dad” is in fulfilling the “husband’s supreme responsibility- loving his wife.”
“At all times, make God’s Word a part of your speech, your attitudes, and your actions.” ... “Let your kids see that your life is dominated by God’s truth. All of life is a classroom; everything that happens is an opportunity to point your children to the scriptures.”
Read
January 2, 2017Perhaps The best parenting book I've read in a long time. A larger portion of the text is devoted to an in-depth look at the parable of the prodigal son. Now, I've heard MacArthur break down the prodigal son in a sermon previously, however, it wasn't from the perspective of the relationship between a father and a son. At least not the perspective of a healthy relationship between a father and a son.
This book is chock full of good practical, Biblical advice on how to properly lead your children in grace. It's definitely not a self-help book. But rather, a book that aims to share with its reader God's desires and even his commands stemming from the Bible for fathers who want to leave their children and their home in a way that glorifies God.
This book is chock full of good practical, Biblical advice on how to properly lead your children in grace. It's definitely not a self-help book. But rather, a book that aims to share with its reader God's desires and even his commands stemming from the Bible for fathers who want to leave their children and their home in a way that glorifies God.
June 27, 2014
A quick listen on the iPod. Well written to summarize how I ought to live to serve God, love my wife, and raise children. Honestly, I think the biggest thing is getting over your own selfishness. When you get married, you have a wife to consider. When you have kids, they are to be considered too. That leaves very little to concern about yourself the way you did when you were single. Moreover, doesn't that make sense when considering that God desires for us to love others as we love ourselves? To treat others more highly than ourselves? To love my wife as Christ loved the church? Great book.
February 8, 2017
I know repetition increases learning, but come on!
July 1, 2014
What was it about: Understanding both the role of husband and father.
Was it helpful: Yes, it put the basic principles of loving my wife and training up my son into a small 4 hour easy to read book.
How will I apply these things? Well I will focus on spending time with both my son and wife in a more deliberate discipling manner.
Unique insight: Being a dad that would be like God is with us, example the father of the prodigal son. He expounds that parable in depth.
Was it helpful: Yes, it put the basic principles of loving my wife and training up my son into a small 4 hour easy to read book.
How will I apply these things? Well I will focus on spending time with both my son and wife in a more deliberate discipling manner.
Unique insight: Being a dad that would be like God is with us, example the father of the prodigal son. He expounds that parable in depth.
August 6, 2015
Solid look at biblical fatherhood. I would have liked to see more practical examples in the book but there was a "top ten" list of sorts for dads to consider when raising children. There is also an excellent chapter on how fathers should act like the father in the prodigal son story. As always, MacArthur does solid exegetical work on scriptural references to fatherhood. The book is also straight forward, concise and easy to read.
November 19, 2017
cultivate grace and goodness or leave it to schools, be the example as Christ loves church, success in home life paramount career less, nourish and cherish wife, join soul and body, bring children discipline and instruction of Lord, do not provoke to anger, abortion as ancient Romans killed babies too, deal with the heart avoid temptation, be strong courageous put heart soul mind strength into it.
September 12, 2018
I love that MacArthur always gives checklists of stuff. It's actionable information that I can use to track myself. That's the most helpful aspect of books like this. Backed by Biblical doctrine, this book helped me at least identify the tasks I wanted identified.
The second read-through was more to get some data on where to start in reading the Bible with children and to review concepts now that I'm in they boys' life consistently. Still a valuable resource!
The second read-through was more to get some data on where to start in reading the Bible with children and to review concepts now that I'm in they boys' life consistently. Still a valuable resource!
July 19, 2014
Short, solid, simple. The first part of the book focuses on the direct instruction to fathers from Ephesians 6. From there MacArthur exposites applicable passages from from the Proverbs and I Thessalonians in his straightforward, accessible style. This book, though short, was a great reminder and encouragement to love and lead in a way that reflects my Heavenly Father.
April 25, 2015
Saturated with Scripture, MacArthur drives the father (or expectant father in my case) to the foot of the cross and seeks to unleash the Gospel on the father, who in turn uses it as the basis for leading his family. This book was a real encouragement, especially the last chapter on being strong in the faith and having the courage of conviction. This book will be read and re-read multiple times.
April 2, 2017
Well this book was so filled with church rhetoric of 50 years ago it was tough to get through. This book actually talked more about a relationship with Jesus more that leading your family. One point the book did make to take away was loving your spouse in front of your kids so they know that you love each other.
August 3, 2017
I wanted to read a book that gives me better idea what it means to be a spiritual leader at home. This books gives a lot of generic information about what it means to be a dad. I was expecting much more from this book. I wish author would go more in depth on some of his points, instead of focusing so much on story of prodigal son. Author did have couple good points about how to raise sons.
September 24, 2023
Was an encouraging read and able to teach well about what it takes to be a godly father. I'd recommend others to read it
Having said this, the book gives little attention to the fathers who are parenting alone and assumes wrongly that a father is married to the mother, for many fathers this is not the case therefore the whole first chapter may be irrelevant.
Having said this, the book gives little attention to the fathers who are parenting alone and assumes wrongly that a father is married to the mother, for many fathers this is not the case therefore the whole first chapter may be irrelevant.
October 8, 2014
This was a great book full of excellent Biblical advice on fatherhood. I took my time reading this book so I could digest all of the great advice. Will likely read this book multiple times as a reminder.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews