This book title caught my attention right away. As a mother of three boys, my husband and I are trying to raise our three boys to someday be a Christian leader in each of their own homes.

Voddie Baucham Jr. is a man who came to faith later in life, but responded to God’s call to ministry. He has served in several capacities within the church but is currently serving as an elder at Grace Community Church in Magnolia, Texas. In his book What He Must Be, Baucham outlines ten specific qualities every parent should look for in a future son-in-law. Some of these being a willingness to lead his family, understanding his future wife and her role, spiritual leadership and trustworthiness.

But Baucham cautions people,“We cannot expect young men in our culture to turn up as ready-made husbands. Our culture is broken. As a result, young men are broken. They do not have the tools they need. This is not always due to a lack of spiritual commitment. It is usually a result of a lack of teaching and discipleship. They just don’t know what they don’t know. As a result, fathers have to consider the possibility that they may, in a very real way, have to build their own son-in-law.”

While reading this book Baucham holds nothing back when he explains what biblical manhood looks like. He himself shares his testimony of living fatherlessness in the black community. He also challenges fathers of girls to protect their purity.

I will admit there is some items in this book I did not agree with, but I believe we need more men like Baucham to stand up in the community and explain what it means to be a man of virtue and character.  I can tell you even raising boys in a Christian home is difficult; we need all the positive male role models we can get.  I have found it is the male leaders in the church that have a significate impact on our young men.  I would recommend reading this if you have a daughter or son.

The book can be purchased here.