This bestselling classic encourages and equips Christian men to lead their families successfully through hazards and ambushes like divorce, promiscuity, suicide, and drug addiction. Men will find practical insight on topics such as a father's influence, maintaining purity, and husband-and-wife teamwork. In this war, renowned men's author Steve Farrar emphasizes, Jesus Christ is looking for men who will not die, but live for their families.
Steve Farrar is the founder of Men’s Leadership Ministries. He holds a Master’s degree from Western Seminary, and an earned doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary. Steve is the author of the best-selling book, Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family, God Built, Battle Ready, and True Courage. Steve Farrar resides in Texas with his family.
Who says playing the field is the only way to find what you want in a future mate. In point man it draws an ideal picture of what a woman of God should look for in a husband. Like a one women man, a man ready to live, not only die, for his family. Farrar does an exemplary job of showing a man his role in his family, the church, and in God. I strongly recommended to any man looking to be a leader in his household. One that will leave a legacy through his kids. And I recommended to women who are looking for a higher standard of men that the world has long put down and at instance erased from society.
I've been trying to read more book about being a good dad and husband. And this is definitely one of the better ones.
Steve Farrar does a good job of laying things out and delivering his point in a way that is easy to understand and incredibly easy to read. Chapters that were quite long, well, I found myself flying through them.
I love that this is from a biblical perspective as well. As that is the most important thing to me. And I think the author does a great job of keeping it focused on Jesus and the Bible.
Truth is timeless. The bulk of this books content is solid and poignant. More men need to read stuff like this and, more importantly, act on it. We live in a watered down, weak, passive manhood/fatherhood culture and it’s drastically eroded the family unit. This book addresses a lot of those issues with Gods Word.
Some of the references seem irrelevant due to the 30 year time gap of original publishing but it’s not enough to make a huge difference. I only had 1 or 2 hang ups on belief/approaches that he suggested.
Overall, a really solid reminder of the immense weight, responsibility, and privilege that we, as Christian men, are called to.
Every man should read this book whether they are married, plan to be married or socialize with women who are married or who might possibly marry someone else someday. The book does a great job of demonstrating the processes that lead us into temptation, how innocent gestures can unfold into fornication or adultery. It also confronts you on the issue of self respect and respect for women. I know that many men will scoff at this book, but for those seeking to be a better man and a leader to their family, I highly recommend reading this book. It will transform your relationships with women and enhance your relationship with the woman you choose to share your life with
This book has great principles and provides powerful motivation for husbands and fathers to lead their families towards Christ. Statistics display the terrible possibilities of a man who lacks to lead as the Bible commands and provides a strong call to action.
Study guide questions are provided, making it ideal to go through it in a group of other guys.
Would recommend to any man hoping to make a positive impact on several generations.
Really powerful read. Farrar explores biblical manhood and fatherhood in a way that is brutally honest and very practical. I finished it feeling both challenged and excited in my role as a husband and father.
First published in 1990, I recently re-read this book with several other men. While some of the examples humorously date the book in its decade, the message of the book and its importance remain just as relevant in the 21st century for men who want to fulfill their God-given leadership responsibilities in a faithful way. The dramatic cultural changes in the quarter-century since then only serve to hammer home how critical a sold-out-to-God husband and father are to the spiritual health of our families, our churches, and our mission in the world.
The book's title is taken from the role of the platoon leader in the Vietnam war, taking the "point" to alert those in his charge about the enemy's position and possible attacks while leading them safely to accomplish their mission. Similarly, in family life, the husband's role as spiritual leader is to do the same for his family through loving Christ, displaying Godly character, loving his wife, and loving his children. In each of these relationships, he notes that "time = influence" and thus involves sacrifice of selfish desires to pursue godly influence.
Personal spiritual growth is a key foundation of this leader's life, and so he emphasizes two critical steps that are very easy to understand but difficult to implement - the absolute necessity for men of God to engage in the spiritual disciplines of regular Bible reading and prayer. "A man who wants to be spiritually mature must put his roots deep into the word of God. Growth comes no other way...Prayer and Scripture go together, and we are most effective when we have a good balance of the two."
Important themes which he then elaborates include cultivating godly character and rejecting moral compromise, practical advice on avoiding and resisting the temptation of lust and the extreme action that resisting sin may require, the fact that pursuing godliness may look abnormal in our culture and will be a continual battle in which to persevere, the necessity of husband-wife teamwork, the blessing of children and how having them exposes and takes away our selfishiness, and practical guidance for raising children in a god-honoring way.
I recommend this book without reservation to any man who is serious about pursuing spiritual maturity and applying it for the benefit of his wife and children and the glory of God in his family, the church, and the world.
Solid book for men. In this day and age, it isn't popular to talk about a man leading his family or being responsible for their spiritual care and development. Just the same I think Christian men need to get in the game and lead. Our culture thinks they have family and moral values figured out right now...I think our crime rates, broken families, anxiety levels, etc. etc. show that that is far from true. Farrar isn't preaching an authoritarian style of leadership, nor promoting so called "toxic masculinity" (don't get me started on that one right now...I mean...when was the last time you heard of "toxic femininity"? Anyway, I digress). Farrar is calling men to be good and faithful husbands to their wives; strong, loving, present, and engaged dads to their kids; and men of deep faith, who stay in prayer and the Word, and doing what it says.
This book was written in 1990 and you can tell, because many of the dangers and cultural ills have intensified. So while this topic is not popular (or even welcomed) right now, I believe that the survival of the Church in North America depends upon principles found in this book.
In the words of Tyler Durden:
" Our fathers were our models for God. If our fathers bailed, what does that tell you about God?... Listen to me! You have to consider the possibility that God does not like you. He never wanted you. In all probability, he hates you."
Like it or not, men, you influence your children's spiritual lives.
Obviously, I'm a woman and NOT the leader of my home.
That being said I thought this book was very helpful even as the mother in our home, not the father and head.
The author doesn't pull any punches or beat around the bush. He tackles difficult subjects from a Biblical perspective.
This book talks about accepting the role God made us to be in and how to teach our children not to be confused in their God given roles. The author addresses discussing sex, drugs, gender identity, responsibility, etc.
I feel more equipped to be a better help meet to my husband after reading this book. I want my girls to read this book (when they are much older) so they can look for this kind of man. (Although, they have a good living example in their daddy.) If I had sons, I'd want them to read this book, too.
If you choose to listen to the audio, I wouldn't listen in front of kids. The author gives very detailed instructions and advice about how to talk about sex, gender identity, etc. It's Biblical advice, but it's conversations my husband and I want to have with my girls, not for them to read in a book.
Enter with caution. If you must read this book -- and I don't recommend you do -- please do so with an open heart and mind. Read critically, thoughtfully, and dare I say it, prayerfully. Because while there are bits of genuine wisdom and sound practical advice, this book is also filled gross oversimplifications, logical quagmires, poor analogies, and at times lazy writing (or perhaps lazy editorship). The book is clearly rendered, but the reader will need quite a bit of discernment to keep the infuriating passages from obscuring the good ideas found within.
Great book to help men follow Christ and lead their families in the process. Very well done and despite being originally written over twenty years ago (I read the "updated edition" which was released in 2003) is still very relevant and timeless advice. Every Christian man out there with a family or even an inkling of starting one should consider this one a must read.
Great book on what being a Family man is all about - how to lead your family, how to raise your kids, how to be the best you can be for your wife - suggested reading for anyone who plans on being married and/or having kids...
This quickly popped into my top 5 books. A practical and unapologetic approach to being a Godly husband and to raising your kids in a biblical manner while protecting the sanctity of your marriage and family. A MUST read for any man, married or not, to guide you in thinking differently about your masculinity, your role as the spiritual leader and how to love like a real man.
Great book that challenges us as Christians, Husbands and fathers to lead a family that follows the path set forth by Jesus. He empowers us to lean into the leadership role and empower our children (specifically our sons) by teaching how to be a disciple of Jesus through our actions with our roles.
Dated, long winded, and overtly aggressive with a narrow view of masculinity backed up by tepid biblical principles, a lot of opinion, and some pretty unreliable “science”. There are some good ideas buried in here but the book could have been half the length and still included the author’s repeated fear that my shortcomings as a father will somehow make my kid gay.
This book still has a few good comments and ideas, but is mostly outdated. Many of the references from 30 years ago of baby boomers, music, tv…will be lost of new readers.
The best book I’ve read on leading one’s family. Be sure to read the revised and updated version as it’s got content that’s specifically relevant to the challenges faced today.
This book served as a good reminder on male leadership within the family. The part that spoke to me the most: reading the bible everyday as sort of a "morning briefing" with God. He emphasizes that we (as husbands) need to hear God's voice in order to properly lead. And the way to accomplish this is through reading the bible and praying. His writing on homosexuality feels a bit un-loving and outdated. I bet that he would have written it differently if it was being published today. Not that his opinion has changed, but that it's generally recognized nowadays that gay-bashing is unbecoming of a Christian. We are called to be messengers of love rather than people who judge and tear down others (while having a plank in our own eye). But it's clear that he did a lot of research for this book and he presents a clear path proper male leadership in the home.
Point Man by Steve Farrar is a compelling read that offers a refreshing perspective on leadership in today's world. The author, a well-known pastor and speaker, draws on his own experiences and insights to provide practical advice on how to become an effective leader. One of the book's strengths is its focus on the importance of character and integrity in leadership. Farrar emphasizes the need for leaders to be honest, humble, and courageous, and he provides numerous examples of leaders who have embodied these qualities throughout history. He also highlights the importance of leading by example and building trust with those under your leadership. Another key theme in the book is the importance of taking responsibility as a leader. Farrar argues that leaders must be willing to make tough decisions and take ownership of their mistakes. He provides several examples of leaders who have failed to do this and suffered the consequences, as well as examples of those who have stepped up and led their organizations to success. The book is written in a clear, concise style that is easy to follow, and Farrar's storytelling skills are on full display. He weaves together anecdotes and examples from a wide range of sources, including business, politics, and sports, to illustrate his points and keep the reader engaged.
Overall, Point Man is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to become a better leader. It offers practical advice, insightful anecdotes, and a compelling vision for what it means to lead with character and integrity. While it may not be for everyone, those who are open to its Christian perspective will find it a worthwhile read.
The book offers valuable insights into the nature of leadership and what it takes to be an effective leader. In this work, Farrar explores the virtues that are necessary for a leader to possess, such as honesty, humility, and courage. He argues that these virtues are not only important for the leader's own well-being, but also for the success of the group or organization they lead. Farrar's focus on the importance of character and integrity in leadership is reminiscent of Aristotle's ideas on the virtues. Aristotle believed that a good leader must possess certain virtues, such as courage, justice, and wisdom, in order to lead effectively. Farrar similarly emphasizes the need for leaders to embody certain virtues, such as honesty and courage, in order to inspire and gain the trust of their followers. Another key theme in Point Man is the importance of taking responsibility as a leader. Farrar argues that a leader must be willing to make tough decisions and take ownership of their mistakes. This book offers practical advice on how to become a better leader. By emphasizing the importance of virtues such as honesty, courage, and responsibility, Farrar echoes Aristotle's ideas on the virtues and the importance of practical wisdom in leadership. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their family.
Point Man by Steve Farrar is a compelling read that offers a refreshing perspective on leadership in today's world. The author, a well-known pastor and speaker, draws on his own experiences and insights to provide practical advice on how to become an effective leader. One of the book's strengths is its focus on the importance of character and integrity in leadership. Farrar emphasizes the need for leaders to be honest, humble, and courageous, and he provides numerous examples of leaders who have embodied these qualities throughout history. He also highlights the importance of leading by example and building trust with those under your leadership. Another key theme in the book is the importance of taking responsibility as a leader. Farrar argues that leaders must be willing to make tough decisions and take ownership of their mistakes. He provides several examples of leaders who have failed to do this and suffered the consequences, as well as examples of those who have stepped up and led their organizations to success. The book is written in a clear, concise style that is easy to follow, and Farrar's storytelling skills are on full display. He weaves together anecdotes and examples from a wide range of sources, including business, politics, and sports, to illustrate his points and keep the reader engaged.
The book not only offers insights into leadership in various settings, but it also delves into the importance of family and the role of a leader within the family setting. The author emphasizes that the same qualities that make a good leader in other contexts, such as honesty, responsibility, and humility, also apply to leading a family.
Farrar stresses the importance of fathers as leaders within the family unit. He argues that fathers must be willing to lead by example, and that their children will look to them as role models. He emphasizes the need for fathers to take responsibility for their actions and to be willing to admit their mistakes. By doing so, fathers can model accountability and responsibility for their children.
Furthermore, Farrar emphasizes the importance of fathers providing emotional support for their families. He argues that fathers must be willing to listen to their children and provide guidance and comfort when needed. In this way, fathers can help create a stable and loving environment for their families.
Overall, Farrar's insights into leadership in the family setting highlight the importance of being a leader not just in the workplace or in other organizations, but also within one's own family. By embodying qualities such as honesty, responsibility, and emotional support, fathers can lead by example and create a positive and nurturing environment for their families.
An opportunity to reins tighter your God-given leadership in your family. A positive reinforcement that encourages Christian men to lead their families despite whee they are in their Christian journey and how old their children are. There is a lot of info so bring a notebook. However, that being said, Farrar dedicates a lot of time on general Christian principles (I.e. Read your bible, pray every day). He grounds his counsel in what should be fundamental to any Christian man's walk. Farrar goes above those fundamentals though so to not leave you with the feeling of trying to draw blood from a stone. There is value for everyone; highly recommend.
Excellent essay on fatherhood and what it means to lead and shepherd a family. I just read the book for the third time and found the material as practical and wise as it was ten years ago when my children were newborn.
Best of all may be the extended metaphor comparing fathers to a platoon's Point Man, guiding the family through the jungle, watching and listening for threats on every side, and providing a quick and ready defense or an aggressive offense as needed.
Practical and applicable advice on being a father...not just a male role model. Farrar puts forth an agenda for raising children that will not only be successful and receive respect in their own right; they will also reverse the moral and cultural decline of our society. Much of his advice and discussions are based on references from the Bible, which is outstanding. This is a lot of advice we should be applying whether the Bible says so or not.
The author calls out men to take up the leadership of the family by adopting the teachings of the bible that touch on that topic. What I found most endearing was the comparison between the role of a man in the family and the role of Jesus in the church. The author also went on to spend some time on mentorship and support from other men. This book has much scripture in it but never tries to impose them. Overall,m this is a well-written and wel-conceived book.
This is the most no hold bar book I've read on any topic. He is very blunt with his views and I guessed that many would be unpopular. I am very impressed with those who will write their views no matter what people may think. And I think he's right for the most part. I am recommending this book to as many fathers as I can think of. It is impossible to read this and not apply something. Great read, even better message!
This book really challenged me and spurned me onto really living much more intentionally as I husband my wife and father my boys. It's not just a list of things that you need to accomplish to reach the end goal. It is more disciplines that we ought to not just wander into unprepared. I recommend this book to any man.
I went through this book with my accountability group. There was lots of good encouragement and direction in this book spurring me on to be a better, stronger, more involved husband and father. Parts of the book were dated, and some of the author's opinions were a little odd (particularly when talking about couples who choose not to have children), but in all, it was informative and edifying.
Awesome book on what it takes to become a Christian leader in the home. A must for every man. I really love the way Steve writes. Steve Farrar allows you to relate to him in many different levels, for example, he give many analogies how sports relates to you being a good leader.