Reading List: Our Top Five Favorite Books for Men Seeking to be Godly Fathers

Dads, have you ever wondered what it means to truly be a Godly father and/or husband? We know it can be an elusive pursuit, and one that is never truly finished! But here are five books that we’ve found helpful as many of our clients pursue this goal.

1. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge

Every man was once a boy.  And every little boy has dreams, big dreams, dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys, of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams, too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up into a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty. But what happens to those dreams when we grow up? Walk into most churches, have a look around, and ask yourself: What is a Christian man?  Without listening to what is said, look at what you find there. Most Christian men are . . . bored.

John Eldredge revises and updates his best-selling, renowned Christian classic, Wild at Heart, and in it invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. And he invites women to discover the secret of a man’s soul and to delight in the strength and wildness men were created to offer.  John Eldredge is the director of Ransomed Heart.

Recommended by Harold Graham, Lifeline Youth & Family Services Chaplain

2. The Making of a Man of God: The Lessons from the Life of David by Alan Redpath

David was a shepherd and a king, a soldier and a poet, a sinner and a saint. He was also a man after God's own heart. In this Christian classic, Alan Redpath blends insights from 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and Psalms to demonstrate how God shapes those who are responsive to his love. Despite his many faults, David became a man who wondrously understood and reflected the mind of God. Both men and women will find themselves identifying with David's struggles and triumphs, giving them a glimpse of how God is continually shaping them as well.

Recommended by Kevin Hedrick, VP of Residential Services

3. Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges & Tricia Goyer

Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light—as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book’s practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

Recommended by Focus on the Family

4. Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage by Robert Lewis

Rocking the Roles explains how marriage can be a perfect blend of structure and equality, balance and beauty. Transform your relationship by learning about common misunderstandings about marriage, core roles that don't limit choices what spouses most need to understand about each other, what submission and authority is and is not, sexuality.  Build a marriage on a firm foundation of Scripture, forgiveness, and a healthy understanding of who we are in Christ.

Recommended by Scott Taylor, Crosswinds Caribbean Mountain Academy Director

5. Tender Warrior, Every Man's Purpose, Every Woman's Dream, Every Child's Hope - Stu Weber

Leader. Protector. Friend. Lover. God made you to be each of these…and much more. Stu Weber ’s bestseller, now revised throughout and refreshed with an attractive new look, paints a dramatic and compelling picture of balanced manhood according to God’s vision. Written in a warm, personal style, Weber presents the characteristics of tender warriors—including learning to speak the language of women, watching out for what lies ahead, and keeping commitments—in an upfront, straightforward style that challenges readers to realize God’s plan for men.

Recommended by Rick Deboest, Lifeline Youth & Family Services Director of Clinical Services