How Mom Can Be the Spiritual Leader in the Home

Sometimes the mom in the house needs to be or is the spiritual leader in the home. What qualities should she possess and is it biblical for the mother to the spiritual leader?

When the Father isn’t the Spiritual Leader or isn’t in the home

There is much said about the father being the spiritual leader in the home. But many mothers will tell you that, they, the mom are the spiritual leader in their home. 

Whether because the man doesn’t believe in God, is apathetic about Jesus, or because the household is a single-parent household with only a mom (over 20% of households), there is a strong need for the mom to be the spiritual leader in the home. 

The most impressionable years of your children’s lives are the first five years. Waiting for your husband to accept Jesus or waiting to get married, if you’re single, and for a father to assume the role of spiritual leader is precious time lost. 

Of course, that’s not to say if your kids are older than five or even teenagers that it’s too late. Our responsibility as mothers never ends. 

Related: 20 important Questions about God to Discuss with Your Kids

In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to Timothy thanking his mother and grandmother for their investment in his strong faith.

It’s believed by some scholars that Timothy’s father was not a believer and that it was because of the women in Timothy’s family that his faith grew.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5
mom spiritual leader home

Related: 15 Bible Verses You Need for Back to School

What qualities should the mom have to be the spiritual leader in the home?

Be a living example of the fruit of the spirit

Although near impossible to do all the time, strive to live according to the fruit of the spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Related: 3 Ways to Teach Your Child the Fruit of the Spirit

Be Imitators of Christ

Just as Paul told his readers for them to model him as he modeled Christ. Spiritual leaders should model Christ. 

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Model the Behavior You Desire

Let your children see you reading the Bible, going to church, and praying. It’s so true that our kids will do as we do, not as we say. 

Related: Creating an Inviting Home for Single-Parent Families

Pray With Your Children

As they get older, ask them if they like you to pray with them. Even if they say no at first, keep asking, you’ll be surprised at the times when they say yes. 

Related: How to Pray with your Children

Pray For Your Kids

Pray for your children, that they would continue to grow in their faith. Pray Matthew 22:3 for your children. Pray that each child will love God with all of their heart, soul, and mind. 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Matthew 22:37

Ask for Wisdom

Ask God for wisdom and help where you feel short while leading your children spiritually. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Related: How to Teach Your Kids the Bible When They Aren’t Interested

Prayer for the Mom Who Desires to Lead Her Children Spiritually

Dear God,

I pray for the mom who’s struggling to be the spiritual leader in her home. Sometimes she feels inadequate to lead her children to you as she’s doing the job alone. Remind her, Jesus, that her job is to simply follow you so that her children have an example of Christ to follow. Please show her what it looks like to lead her children with their unique personalities, considering how each child responds to teaching differently.

Thank you for loving each one of us so much. Amen

How Mom Can Be the Spiritual Leader in the Home