The men 18 years old and over stood in unison reciting the ‘I Wills’. Indeed they were words read from a piece of paper, “The Resolution”, but they have the power, the potential, to impact generations.

We need our men.
We need our fathers.

The blessing of a father committed and engaged with his family is unmatched.

This weekend our churchcelebrates our fathers with a special ceremony of commitment in all seven services. Amongst the casual attire most often worn by many in our Friday night service was a smattering of coats and suits, as proud men from all walks of life stood with their families reciting their pledge.

With today’s family unit commonly shattered and fatherhood devalued, the release of the movie, Courageous, last fall, was an inspiring must see and prompted our Fathers Day focus. It is a family drama where four men come to grips with a common calling: to serve and protect their families. On this, the eve of Father’s Day, it seems fitting that we revisit our values, honor our fathers and resolve to fight courageously for our families.

Below is the resolution the men proudly recited:

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24:15

I was intrigued when Brent chose to participate in the ceremony since we don’t have children…he realizes we DO have a family unit, a church family, an extended family and a community in need of courageous men. I am proud to have a husband willing to fight for future generations and to courageously be a father to the fatherless.

Memory verse: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24:15

You can find more information and additional resources here

It is never too late for a man – a father – to become a “dad”.

Special honor to all courageous men this Father’s Day…