A man who loves Jesus and leads his family well has at least three roles in common with the man who is called to lead the church.

Those who hold the highest human office of authority in the church—elders—are expected to meet the highest standards.

The biblical qualifications for elders are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. Not surprisingly, some of these standards are measured by who a man is in his home, among his family. A man who loves Jesus and leads his family well has at least three roles in common with the man who is called to lead the church: he is a preacher, a pastor, and a provider.

1. The Everyday Preacher

Not every man is called and gifted to teach the Bible in the church. But every Christian husband and dad is responsible for leading his home towards Jesus, and this task requires that a man must be able to understand and communicate the gospel clearly to those he loves most.

A husband and father can’t impart what he doesn’t possess. So the best strategy for the everyday preacher is to first preach the gospel to himself. Then, through his own repentance, he is able to lead his family to the very place where he himself has been.

Every Christian husband and dad is responsible for leading his home towards Jesus.

2. The Protective Pastor

A pastor is a protector. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep from dangers of all sorts, a pastoring husband and dad lovingly guards his family from harm.

Harm can enter the home through dangerous individuals, but dangerous ideas are just as threatening. The man as a protector of his home keeps a watch over the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of his wife and kids. He takes the deception of worldly values and demonic lies just as seriously as dangerous criminals. And his family is nurtured and secure under the umbrella of his care.

3. The Hard-Working Provider

Jesus has called the man of the home to also be the primary provider for the family. This is such a serious thing that the Bible contains one of its most stern warnings on this subject: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8).

A pastoring husband and dad lovingly guards his family from harm.

This is a daunting challenge, particularly in today’s economy. But there is hope found elsewhere in the Bible. Paul reminds the Church of Philippi, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:20).

Practically, trusting God to supply every need means you can work hard and trust Jesus fully to give you the joy of providing financially for those you love most.