Resources

Men are called to work. Providing for one’s family is a noble and necessary part of masculine responsibility. From the beginning, Scripture gives work a theological dignity—Adam tended the Garden before the Fall. To labor well is, in a real sense, to image God.

But even so, you are more than what you produce. Your identity does not begin or end with your job title, your accomplishments, or the esteem of your colleagues.

Dr. Matt Breuninger offers a powerful reminder of this in today’s message. In his clinical practice, he rarely encounters children who wish their dads made more money or earned greater professional acclaim. He sees children who wish they had more time with their fathers.

For more information, check out our Men & Work course:
https://myforge.org/courses/men-and-work/

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What is school for? What is life for? Do your kids know how you would answer those questions?

Because whatever your answer might be, it had better be something more than “getting into Stanford” or “making a lot of money.” Our sons and daughters need a vision deeper than achievement. They need a picture of the good life—one rooted in virtue, purpose, faith, and mission.

We asked Dr. Leonard Sax what a good answer to that question looks like. His response was clear, convicting, and incredibly practical for fathers.

For more on this and similar topics, visit: https://myforge.org/courses/home-church/

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In his landmark study on how faith gets passed down, Vern Bengtson found that one of the top reasons kids walk away from faith is the perceived hypocrisy of their parents. Every parent makes mistakes—that’s just part of the deal. But not every parent apologizes.

When’s the last time you told your kids, “I’m sorry”?

If it’s been a while, no shame—just start today. This short 2-minute video from Damon Owens is a great reminder of what simple, sincere apologies can look like in a family.

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Every dad knows that little tug on the shirt: “Dad, can I help?” And if we’re honest, most of us have felt the instinct to say, “Thanks, buddy, but I’ve got it.” It’s faster. It’s cleaner. It’s easier.

But those moments—small as they seem—are golden opportunities. Many men today feel the tension of wanting to be more present with their kids but never quite finding the time. What if the secret isn’t more time but shared time? Letting your kids join you in your work—whether you’re fixing something around the house, grilling dinner, or cleaning out the garage—turns ordinary tasks into sacred ground.

Especially with our sons, this kind of hands-on life together speaks volumes. Boys are watching, even when we think they aren’t. They’re learning what it looks like to be patient, disciplined, responsible, and kind. As Pete Burak says, “Masculinity is more often caught than taught.” Doing things with your kids is a great way to help them “catch” a sense for authentic masculinity.

So the next time your son or daughter reaches for the wrench or the spatula, let them. Slow down. You’re not just getting something done—you’re shaping a soul.

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