Parenting Boys with Mark Hancock

Parenting Boys in a Confused Culture is possible when we focus on Biblical principles.

How can we raise boys to become godly men in a culture that no longer honors biblical masculinity? That question weighs heavily on many parents’ hearts; mine included.

As a mom of three boys and grandmother to three boys, I’ve seen firsthand how critical this calling is. Boys today are growing up in a world that often mocks manhood, undermines virtue, and erodes moral foundations.

That’s why I invited Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to speak with me about what it takes to raise boys into men of character, conviction, and courage. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, coach, or ministry leader, this message is for you.

With that in mind, Mark and I outline biblical principles and practical steps to guide boys into maturity, raising not just good boys, but godly men.

The Crisis Facing Boys Today

Let’s begin by acknowledging the reality: boys today are struggling. Many are retreating into virtual spaces: video games, social media, and online platforms in search of adventure, achievement, and identity. While these digital worlds offer escape, they often rob boys of the real-world skills and relationships they need to thrive.

Too many boys are retreating into digital worlds—video games, online forums, social media—in search of success, power, and purpose. The result? A generation that’s disengaged from real-world challenges. Apathy and rebellion are often symptoms of an unmet longing for adventure, meaning, and a sense of purpose.

As a result, we must call our boys into something higher. They don’t need to be managed; they need to be mentored. And most of all, they need to be discipled.

God’s Design for Boys Becoming Men

Before we dive into the practical steps, it’s important to remember this: God designed boys to grow into men, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. And that formation begins at home.

Boys need to see, hear, and experience what it means to walk with God. It starts with us modeling it. They’re watching how we handle pressure, how we treat others, and whether we live what we preach. That’s why we must:

• Live with integrity even when no one’s watching
• Take responsibility for our mistakes
• Pursue God in prayer, Scripture, and service

Our example speaks louder than any lecture. Our character becomes the blueprint they’ll follow. So if we want to raise godly men, we must first become godly models. Let them see what it means to be a man under God’s authority.

Principle One — Lead by Example

First and foremost, boys learn by watching. If we model honesty, integrity, and humility, they’ll learn to walk in those same truths. If we take responsibility for our actions and own our mistakes, they will see that strength includes vulnerability.

Boys don’t need perfect parents; they need real ones. When we admit fault, ask for forgiveness, and stay faithful, we teach them more than words ever could.

Here are some simple but powerful ways to model this daily:

• Apologize sincerely
• Speak truth kindly
• Pray dependently
• Serve faithfully

That’s why it’s essential to remember that a boy learns how to be a man not by lectures but by legacy. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or mentor, your faithfulness is shaping the future of a man.

Once we lay that foundation through our actions, we can begin building trust through our words.

Principle Two — Foster Honest Communication

Next, our boys need to know they can talk to us and be heard without fear or shame. Open communication is the bridge to their heart.

In a noisy world, our boys need space to process their thoughts and emotions. Ask questions. Listen well. Be slow to lecture and quick to connect. When they know they can talk to you, they’ll come to you, even when the stakes are high.

Use conversations to explore:

• What truth means
• What integrity looks like
• What Scripture says about identity and leadership

When a boy feels heard, he’s more likely to internalize what matters most—your values.

Principle Three — Establish Clear Values

Boys thrive when they know where the boundaries are and why they’re there. Set biblical values as your family standard. Talk openly about culture’s confusion and God’s clarity. Teach discernment by walking through media messages and peer pressures together.

Take time to talk about things like:

• Honoring others with words
• Telling the truth, even when it’s hard
• Treating women with respect
• Serving others without expecting applause

Then, as culture’s messages come flooding in, help your son compare them to God’s truth. This practice doesn’t shelter him; it strengthens him.

Of course, these lessons are magnified when taught by more than just one voice.

Help your son measure everything against the truth of God’s Word. Not only will this guide his decisions, but it will strengthen his faith.

Principle Four — Provide Godly Male Role Models

While moms play a powerful role, boys also need men to look up to. If Dad is active and involved, that’s a gift. But if not, don’t lose hope—God can still provide.

Whether it’s a father, grandfather, coach, or youth leader, boys need men in their lives who show them what godly manhood looks like. If Dad isn’t present, pray for and pursue trustworthy male mentors who can come alongside you.

Their presence speaks to a boy’s value. Their guidance shapes how he sees himself and his future.

Remember, boys learn best from being with men who love God.

As we surround them with guidance, we must also strengthen them from within.

Principle Five — Build Resilience and Purpose

Boys will face disappointment, failure, and hardship. But instead of protecting them from every challenge, we must prepare them to grow through it.

Godly men don’t avoid hard things; they persevere through them. Start by teaching boys to set and pursue goals with perseverance. Break big goals into smaller steps. Celebrate progress. And most importantly, remind them that their worth isn’t in success, it’s in being faithful.

To build resilience and a sense of purpose, you can encourage :

• A growth mindset: “I can learn from this.”
• Biblical coping strategies: prayer, wise counsel, and worship
• Reflection: What did I learn? Where did I grow?

Help your son see that even setbacks are part of God’s refining process.

In moments of struggle, our boys also need to know who they are—and whose they are.

Principle Six — Speak Life and Encouragement

Every boy carries an invisible question: “Do I have what it takes?”
Your words help answer that.

Boys need encouragement that speaks to their identity in Christ, not just their performance. Affirm their character. Praise their effort. Speak truth to young boys who are becoming men.

A simple “I see God working in you” goes further than we think. Our words water the seeds of godly manhood.

When they know their identity is anchored in Christ, they won’t need to chase the world’s approval.

Final Thoughts — A Call to Courageous Parenting

Raising boys to become godly men isn’t easy, but it is possible. It takes prayer, purpose, and patience. And most of all, it takes parents with clarity, courage, and conviction to rise above the cultural noise and lead with faith. The world may question manhood, but God defines it.

The world may question manhood, but God never has. His Word is clear, his design is good, and his grace is sufficient.

Let’s raise boys who are strong in spirit, tender in heart, firm in truth, and faithful in the little things. Let’s raise men who reflect Christ.

So take heart, Mom and Dad. You’re not alone. God chose you for this boy, at this time, for His purposes. And that makes all the difference.