Ever park outside your house and just breathe, steeling yourself for whatever chaos awaits inside? Maybe you've scrolled through hundreds of photos of your kids and felt simultaneously overwhelmed by the challenge and grateful beyond words for the privilege.

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Will Sopwith explores what the Bible actually says about fatherhood. From that first nerve-wracking drive home with a newborn to navigating teenage years and beyond, Will shares the brilliance and the mess of raising three children. But more than swapping war stories, he unpacks three biblical roles that change everything about how fathers understand their calling.

You'll discover why culture's mixed messages - from the useless male stereotype to treating dads as optional extras - miss what Scripture reveals about your distinct and vital role. Whether you're exhausted from working long hours, questioning every parenting decision, or feeling like you've already messed it up beyond repair, there's hope and practical wisdom here.

[08:00 ] When Culture Gets Fatherhood Wrong

Will points out something striking from his years in a Facebook group called This Dad Can. So many young men struggle to find their role, feeling sidelined by the more recognisable role of motherhood.

Fatherhood feels a little bit like an optional extra, perhaps nice if you have it, but you know, understandable if you don't. Billy Graham once said a good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.

What we discover:

• Why the new man who just shares chores isn't the full picture
• How the useless male stereotype damages fathers and families
• The challenge of finding your role beyond being a co-parent
• What the Bible says that challenges modern assumptions

Key takeaway: Scripture doesn't lump mothers and fathers together under generic parenting advice - God has something specific to say about fatherhood.

[12:00 ] Father as Priest - Standing in the Gap

A priest represents the people to God, literally standing between them. For fathers, this means taking responsibility for your children before God.

The priest applies their own faith on behalf of the people where the people's faith is not up to it. We have an example in Mark 9 of a father bringing his epileptic son to Jesus because the son was powerless to bring change for himself.

Practical insights:

• Thanking God for your children specifically
• Praying for their growth, healing, protection, forgiveness
• Bridging the gap until they develop their own relationship with God
• Why this role continues through their whole life

Key takeaway: You're not waiting for your kids to sort themselves out spiritually - you're actively standing between them and God on their behalf.

[15:00 ] Father as Prophet - Living Out God's Truth

A prophet represents God to the people. In our context, fathers represent God to their children through how they live, not just what they say.

As anyone raising children or young adults knows, the representation we give is often more our actions than our words. We are on display constantly around our kids, often at our most unguarded moments.

What this looks like:

• Teaching them about God and leading worship at home
• Showing them a close, all-access lived example of following Jesus
• Demonstrating that God is love who created and sustains us
• Modelling that following Jesus isn't about perfection but about being loved

Key takeaway: The alignment between your words about God and your actions is critical - your kids are watching everything.

[19:00 ] Father as King - Authority That Serves

Will addresses the most eroded role in modern times - exercising loving authority for your children's wellbeing.

Don't give it up. Giving it up is a bit like recognising the ground you have to hold in a battle and just walking away from it, hoping someone else will fill your place.

Real talk about:

• Setting boundaries and bringing discipline when they stray
• Why society's fear of dominant fathers creates a dangerous vacuum
• Balancing correction with not provoking them to anger (Ephesians 6:4)
• Your authority is expected by God, society, your partner, and your kids

Key takeaway: The Bible challenges both harsh dismissiveness and modern absence - don't give up ground you're meant to hold.

[27:00 ] Conversation Street - Working Long Hours

Dave Connolly shares his story of working 72 hours straight, coming home exhausted, and his son wanting to play football in the hall.

Julie said to me, there will come a time when he won't ask you to do this. Either they'll grow out of it or they'll think you're disinterested in him. There is a cost in being a dad, but it's one that we should willingly want to pay.

Community wisdom:

• It doesn't have to be bells and whistles - kids just want you there
• Those cards from your kids make all the headache worthwhile
• Revisit your priorities - are you modelling exhaustion or engagement?
• Quality over quantity, but they need some quantity too

Key takeaway: Your kids don't want a holiday in Malibu - they want to see you, even if it's just kicking a ball in the hall.

[38:00 ] When Kids Don't Walk With God

Dave offers powerful advice for fathers whose adult children aren't following Jesus the way they'd hoped.

Believe in the seed that you've sown into their lives. A farmer never sows expecting to get less than what he sowed. You don't know what God is doing in them. They may never do church the way you do it, but the goal is that they have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hope for difficult seasons:

• Keep praying and thanking God for the seed you've sown
• They may not do church your way, but God is still working
• Your kids need to know you love them even if you despise what they're doing
• Don't give up on modelling godly character and speaking God's word

Key takeaway: There will be a harvest - hold onto that promise even when you can't see it yet.

[44:00 ] When You Feel You've Messed Up

Will addresses the question every father asks - what if I've already failed?

Don't give up. Even if your kids are 50, it's not too late to continue to be their dad. Even if there's been distance and non-communication for 20 years, you need to lead. Make that step and say, I want to do this differently. It's never too late.

Steps forward:

• Say sorry to God and ask for forgiveness
• If appropriate, speak to your kids based on their age
• Talk with your wife and pray together about moving forward
• Remember your kids are God's possession, stewarded to you
• Never, ever give up - it's truly never too late

Key takeaway: God expects you to do your best and love your kids - His grace covers the rest.