Spiritual Leadership in the Home: A Biblical Vision

Spiritual Leadership in the Home: A Biblical Vision

Author: Dave Jenkins
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A
Date: January 12, 2026

Show Summary

What does spiritual leadership in the home look like according to Scripture? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins provides a clear, biblical vision for spiritual leadership within the Christian household—one that is neither passive nor authoritarian, but Christlike, humble, and faithful. Anchored in Joshua 24:15, this episode explains that spiritual leadership begins with personal devotion and overflows into family life through leading by example, guiding with God’s Word, initiating prayer and worship, protecting the home spiritually, and cultivating a Christ-centered environment marked by love and humility.

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Key Scripture

• Joshua 24:15
• Ephesians 6:4
• 1 Peter 5:8

Episode Notes

As we continue our focus this month on marriage and family, we come to a question that affects every Christian household: What does spiritual leadership mean in the home? Many men feel inadequate, many women feel unsure of what to expect, and many couples don’t know where to begin. But God’s Word gives us a clear and practical vision of spiritual leadership—Christlike leadership marked by humility, love, and faithfulness.

Anchor Text: Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Central Truth: Spiritual leadership in the home means leading by example, guiding with the Word, initiating prayer and worship, protecting the family spiritually, and cultivating a Christ-centered environment marked by love and humility.

1) Spiritual Leadership Begins with Personal Devotion

You cannot lead others somewhere you are not going. A spiritual leader walks with God—prioritizing the Word of God, repenting regularly, and growing in grace. Leadership begins privately before it ever becomes public.

2) Spiritual Leadership Leads with the Word of God

Ephesians 6:4 calls fathers to bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This includes bringing Scripture into everyday life—reading the Bible together, discussing sermons, applying truth to decisions, and encouraging biblical thinking. Leadership is not about giving orders; it’s about bringing the home under God’s Word.

3) Spiritual Leadership Initiates Prayer and Worship

This doesn’t require a seminary degree—only willingness. A spiritual leader says, “Let’s pray. Let’s read the Word. Let’s talk about what God is teaching us.” Leadership is initiative, not perfection.

4) Spiritual Leadership Protects the Home Spiritually

1 Peter 5:8 warns that the enemy seeks to devour. Spiritual leadership watches for false teaching, unhealthy influences, sinful habits, destructive entertainment, relational drift, and spiritual apathy. A spiritual leader protects the home with truth, discernment, and vigilance.

5) Spiritual Leadership Cultivates a Christ-Centered Environment

A spiritual leader helps set the tone of the home. A Christ-centered home is gentle, safe, patient, welcoming, filled with grace, shaped by humility, marked by repentance, and anchored in love. Leadership is not about control—it’s about creating an atmosphere where Christ is honored.

Takeaways

• Spiritual leadership starts with your personal walk with the Lord.
• Bring your home under the authority of Scripture.
• Initiate prayer and worship with faithfulness, not perfection.
• Protect your home with discernment and biblical vigilance.
• Set a tone of humility, repentance, grace, and love.

Call to Action

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