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Let’s walk through the important role of fathers—not the entire teaching from our webinar The Important Role of Fathers, but a specific, central aspect: Role Questions. This infographic captures a deeply theological and practical insight into how children form their understanding of identity, protection, and love through the shaping influence of their fathers. The father is not just a biological figure, but a theological one—a representative, whether consciously or not, of God the Father in the child’s early interpretive grid. It’s a role that carries eternal implications.
Role Questions: A Gospel Lens: This graphic focuses on two categories—sons and daughters—and the core questions they direct toward their fathers. These aren’t casual curiosities but foundational worldview-building inquiries. Let’s break them down.
For Sons:
For Daughters:
The role of a father is not just functional; it’s theological. The father is the first and most influential picture of God’s authority and care. Children extrapolate their understanding of God the Father through what they think of their earthly father. If that relationship is marked by sin and neglect, confusion will follow, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Case Study: Biff, Biffy, and Biffina
Biff was a busy man. Work took priority, and when he was home, he was either distracted, harsh, or indifferent. He never meant to harm anyone; he just thought providing a paycheck was enough. But his children, Biffy and Biffina, were asking role questions that Biff wasn’t answering.
By the time they reached adulthood, both were confused, anxious, and relationally unstable. But God, in His mercy, intervened.
Biff came to Christ through a faithful brother in his church. He began to study resources like The Important Role of Fathers. He repented to Biffy and Biffina—not blaming them, but owning his neglect. He pursued a restored relationship through humble confession and patient discipleship.
Biffy started meeting with older men in the church, learning how to walk in biblical masculinity. He stopped performing and started leading with love. Biffina found her worth not in attention from others, but in her identity as God’s daughter, watching her father slowly become a protector and spiritual guide.
It didn’t happen overnight, but the Lord was kind to use the truth of the gospel, and the restored modeling of their father, to transform confusion into clarity. That’s the power of gospel-centered fatherhood.
Let this encourage every father: You don’t have to be perfect, but you must be present. If you haven’t answered these questions for your children, start today. Point them to the perfect Father by how you love, lead, and protect.
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Peace,
Rick