Honoring Fathers: Your Children Listen To and Watch You

Our National Men’s Director, Rick Allen, asked me to share some reflections on things my father, Werner Kersten, did well raising his children. Perhaps these will encourage current and future fathers reading this.

(Above left, center, and right: My father, Werner Kersten, grew up in Germany, found Christ in Australia, and raised his family in America. He is a student of God's Word, a prayer warrior, and shares his testimony with anyone. Three things he did well as a father! Every father should do the same as an example to his own children.)

Dad Told His Story

In 1970, dad lost all his money betting on a horse at the track and hit rock bottom. He walked into a Pentecostal church and—after 30 years of resisting—humbled himself before God and was born again. My siblings and I heard dad’s testimony hundreds of times. I’m glad he made his testimony a living part of our family history.

Dad Prayed Out Loud

His strong voice and thick German accent carried his prayers throughout the house. I learned a lot about prayer just lying in bed at night and listening. When a father prays unashamedly in front of his family, his children learn they, too, can do the same. Pray out loud, dads. Your children are listening.

Dad Studied the Word

It’s not just for reading. It must be studied! Dad’s Bible was always open and heavily highlighted or underlined. Dad’s love for the Word was evident. If you want your children to love and be students of the Bible, too, then set the example.

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