Fatherhood Lessons From General Conference

General Conference is always a wonderful time for fathers to receive instruction. Here are some timely lessons I found pertinent for fathers from the April 2012 General Conference. If you would like to share other lessons I may have not caught, please do so!

President Boyd K. Packer (And a Little Child Shall Lead Them)

Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children...One of the great discoveries of parenthood is that we learn far more about what really matters from our children than we ever did from our parents. We come to recognize the truth in Isaiah’s prophecy that “a little child shall lead them.”

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin (Teaching Our Children to Understand)
This divine privilege of raising our children is a much greater responsibility than we can do alone, without the Lord’s help. He knows exactly what our children need to know, what they need to do, and what they need to be to come back into His presence. He gives mothers and fathers specific instruction and guidance through the scriptures, His prophets, and the Holy Ghost.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (The Laborers in the Vineyard)
I especially make an appeal for husbands and fathers...to, as Lehi said, “Awake! and arise from the dust … and be men.” Not always but often it is the men who choose not to answer the call to “come join the ranks.” ...Brethren, step up.

Elder Robert D. Hales (Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service)
Fathers, priesthood leaders, and quorum presidencies have a special responsibility to help Aaronic Priesthood holders earnestly prepare to perform their sacred sacrament duties. This preparation is made throughout the week by living gospel standards.

Elder David S. Baxter (Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message to Single Parents)

Members and leaders, is there more that you could do to support single-parent families without passing judgment or casting aspersions? Might you mentor young people in these families, especially providing for young men examples of what good men do and how good men live? In the absence of fathers, are you providing role models worthy of emulation?

Now, there are, of course, some single families where it is the father who is the single parent. Brethren, we also pray for you and pay tribute to you. This message is also for you.

Elder Quentin L. Cook (In Tune with the Music of Faith)
Religious observance in the home blesses our families. Example is particularly important. What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say...We know that family scripture study and family home evenings are not always perfect. Regardless of the challenges you face, do not become discouraged.

Elder David A. Bednar (The Powers of Heaven)
Brethren, for a boy or a man to receive priesthood authority but neglect to do what is necessary to qualify for priesthood power is unacceptable to the Lord. Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.


Many wives are pleading for husbands who have not only priesthood authority but also priesthood power. They yearn to be equally yoked with a faithful husband and priesthood companion in the work of creating a Christ-centered and gospel-focused home.

President Henry B. Eyring (Families Under Covenant)

Let me suggest four things you can do as a priesthood father to lift and lead your family home again to be with Heavenly Father and the Savior.

1. First, gain and keep a sure witness that the keys of the priesthood are with us and held by the President of the Church. Pray for that every day. 
2. The second imperative is to love your wife. It will take faith and humility to put her interests above your own in the struggles of life...I promise you that your love for her will increase.
3. Third, enlist the entire family to love each other. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In an eternal sense, salvation is a family affair. …“Above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often. Obviously, this is a role parents should fill, and most often the mother can do it best.”
4. The fourth opportunity to lead your family in the Lord’s way comes when discipline is needed. We can meet our obligation to correct in the Lord’s way and then lead our children toward eternal life.

Elder M. Russell Ballard (That the Lost May be Found)

So what can we do to not become lost? 

1. First, may I suggest that we prioritize. Put everything you do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside your home. 
2. Second, we need to do things in the right order! Marriage first and then family. Too many in the world have forgotten this natural order of things and think they can change it or even reverse it. Remove any of your fear with faith. Trust the power of God to guide you.
3. Third, husbands and wives, you should be equal partners in your marriage. Read often and understand the proclamation on the family and follow it. Avoid unrighteous dominion in any form. 
4. And finally, use the family resources of the Church. In raising children, families can draw upon the help of the ward. Support and work in tandem with priesthood and auxiliary leaders, and take full advantage of the Church’s youth and family programs. 

Elder Larry Y. Wilson (Only upon the Principles of Righteousness)
We simply cannot force others to do the right thing. The scriptures make it clear that this is not God’s way. Compulsion builds resentment. It conveys mistrust, and it makes people feel incompetent...Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. They provide opportunities for growth as children acquire the spiritual maturity to exercise their agency properly. And yes, this means children will sometimes make mistakes and learn from them.

Elder Neil L. Andersen (What Thinks Christ of Me?)
Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What think ye of Christ?”2 In the final assessment, our personal discipleship will not be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as Paul said, “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”3 At that day the important question for each of us will be, “What thinks Christ of me?”

President Thomas S. Monson (As We Close This Conference)
My dear brothers and sisters, may your homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord. Love your families. If there are disagreements or contentions among you, I urge you to settle them now.