Challenges of Fatherhood as Child of God in Kingdom Family
By Paul-Esupofo Oriade
1. Balancing Work and Family: As a father committed to the Kingdom of God, balancing work and family time can be challenging. The demands of providing for the family while being actively involved in church activities and spiritual growth can create a tight schedule.
2. Spiritual Leadership: Being a spiritual leader in the home is a significant responsibility. Fathers are called to lead by example, guiding their children in faith, prayer, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This requires a deep personal commitment to spiritual disciplines and continuous growth in faith.
3. Emotional Connection: Building a strong emotional bond with children is vital. However, some fathers may struggle to express their feelings and connect on a deeper level due to cultural expectations or personal upbringing. The Bible encourages fathers to nurture their children with love and understanding (Ephesians 6:4).
4. Disciplining with Grace: Finding the right approach to discipline that reflects the love and grace of God can be challenging. Fathers need to balance correction with compassion, mirroring God’s own approach to His children (Hebrews 12:6).
5. Role Model Pressure: Fathers feel the pressure to be perfect role models, not only in moral and ethical behavior but also in spiritual matters. They are expected to live out the values of the Kingdom and be a reflection of Christ to their children.
6. Co-parenting in Faith: Collaborating with a partner in raising children in a faith-based household can present challenges, especially if there are differences in spiritual maturity or approach to faith. Unity in spiritual matters is essential for a harmonious family life.
7. Work-Life Stress: Managing the stress that comes from work demands while being an active and engaged father and church member can be overwhelming. Fathers need to find ways to rely on God’s strength and seek peace through prayer and meditation.
8. Financial Pressure: Providing for the family financially can be a significant source of stress. Fathers are called to trust in God’s provision while being diligent in their work and stewardship of resources.
9. Time Management: Fathers must navigate busy schedules, ensuring they allocate enough quality time for their children, personal spiritual growth, and church activities. Prioritizing time with God helps in managing these demands effectively.
10. Adapting to Changing Roles: As children grow, the role of a father evolves. Fathers must adapt to these changes, from being a caregiver to a mentor and friend, while continuously guiding their children in faith.
11. Personal Sacrifice: Fatherhood often requires personal sacrifices, including giving up hobbies, social activities, or personal time to meet the needs of the family. Fathers are called to lay down their lives for their families as Christ did for the church (Ephesians 5:25).
12. Health and Fitness. Maintaining personal health and fitness can be challenging amidst the demands of fatherhood. Fathers need to find time for self-care, recognizing that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
13. Communication. Effective communication with children, especially as they grow older and more independent, can be a challenge. Fathers need to develop skills to communicate openly and effectively, fostering a loving and supportive environment.
14. Cultural and Societal Expectations. Navigating societal expectations and cultural norms about fatherhood can be challenging. Fathers may feel pressured to conform to certain ideals that may not align with Biblical principles. Upholding Kingdom values in a diverse cultural landscape requires wisdom and discernment.
Addressing these challenges requires support from the church community, patience, and a willingness to rely on God’s guidance. Fathers who seek out resources, communicate openly with their partners, and prioritize their spiritual well-being are often better equipped to handle the demands of fatherhood as a child of God in the Kingdom family.
Happy Father’s Day to all genuine men and men of God. The likes of Evang. Mike Bamiloye, Evang. Shola Mike-Agboola, Micheal Oriade, Pastor E.A Adeboye, Pastor Samuel Ariyo Awe, Pastor Patrick Rotimi, Evang. Rotimi Amodu, Evang Yemi Adepoju , Oluwafemi Dosu, Femi Otaa, Olufemi Abraham, Emmanuel Sanyaolu, Norton Rodriguez, Tin Kozi, Rex Nwakamma, Pastor Tunde Badru, Adedeji Adekusibe, Adeniyi Famewo, Felix Bankole, Segun Lawrence, Wole Olaleye, Emmanuel Oye, John Oguntuase, Tunde Oreniyi, Segun Ajala, Covenant Adebayo, Fatimehin Ebenezer, Olumide Fatunsi, Dare Jeremiah, Kunle Adepoju, Kolade Segun-Okeowo, David Okeowo, Joseph Musa Zira, Damian Duruewuru, Kingsley Nwachukwu, Abiodun Soretire, Ayobami Adegboyega, Segun Ilori, Seun Oni, Adeoye Omoniyi, Korede Are, Moses Owoseni, Seyi Ajayi, Seyi Obembe, Olukayode Aremu, Wole Adeyi, Doyin Hassan, Gbenga Ayoola, Our Daily Bread Fathers, Kenneth Copeland, David Oyedepo, Gbile Akanni, Segun Ariyo, Moses Makinde, Johnson Aseyoyin, Alaba Solomon Oluwaferanmi, Kayode Oyebode (kay technical, Kayode Babalola, Femi Adebile, Segun Adejumobi, Pastor Lazarus Sprea light, Osagie Ekhattor, Korede Lateef, Lekan Ashikhia, Femi Lazarus, Bishop Wale Oke, Dare Fayemi , Joseph Akinyele, Adeyemi Adetola, James Yolo, Chosen-mic Adeniran, amongst others.