On the Privilege of Fatherhood This Father's Day: L-T Hopper

Ahead of Father's Day (Sunday 6 September), we'll be sharing stories of every day Christian fathers, and how knowing God, the Father has shaped and transformed their perspectives on children and parenting. In this interview, BASECAMP Chairman, L-T Hopper speaks of the privilege of Christian fatherhood and the power of prayer in raising children. 

BASECAMP Committee Chair, L-T Hopper

1. What does being a “Christian father” mean to you? 
   
   For me, being a father means being entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of loving my children, so they know what it means and looks like to live as people in this world and for eternity. So, it means living in a way that helps them have an idea of what is to live a life with God. For them to know what is to live with their body, mind and soul. 
   
   
2. How does knowing God the Father change the way you parent your children?  
   
   Knowing God as my Father and so living as His son informs and shapes how I am a father. It means I am not on my own and I have someone who knows what it is to be a father. The way God, the Father relates to God, the Son gives me a picture of how to love. He is present, welcoming, kind, forgiving, generous, merciful, gracious and so I am to be those things as well. I should say it gives me plenty of opportunity to practice those things through failing at them.  
   
   
3. Can you share something that God has been teaching you, since you’ve become a parent? 
   
   ​The main thing God has been teaching me as a parent is that I am dependent on Him as I am for all my life. He is the one in control and I am not. As I entrust my life to Him, so I have to prayerfully entrust my children to God. I think parenting equals praying. I make and have made loads of mistakes as a dad and so I am thankful God, my Father knows what’s best for my children more than I do, and he can work that out in their lives.