Being an All-Star

An all‑star player is someone recognized as one of the very best in their league because of both elite performance and the way they impact their team.​

Core on‑field qualities

Top‑level skill and stats – They consistently perform at a much higher level than average players; their production “jumps off the page” compared to past seasons or peers.​

Key role on a winning team – on the Jesus Team

Memorable moments – They create big plays in big moments that your daughter will remember for a lifetime

Character and reputation

Reliability and trust – Coaches trust them with more responsibility because they show up, work hard, and can handle pressure.​

Reliability and trust that your daughter can count on

Leadership and influence – They lift teammates, communicate well, and help create unity and confidence on the team.​

Leadership and influence - you are a major influence in your daughter’s life

You can summarize it for your dads like this: an all‑star isn’t just talented; they consistently perform, make their relationsihip better, show strong character, and earn the respect of your daughter

Sometimes you make an error - that is ok we are not perfect , admit you made the error

1. Opening (2 minutes)

“Guys, middle school is when the ground starts to really shake under our kids’ feet. Their bodies are changing, their friends are changing, their feelings about God and church are changing. In that chaos, God has called you to be more than a spectator dad in the stands. He’s called you to be an all‑star dad on the field with them.”

Very briefly define “all‑star dad”:

Not a perfect dad.

A dad who shows up, points his kids to Jesus, and keeps getting back up when he fails.

Pray a short prayer asking God to encourage and challenge every dad.

2. Big Idea (1 minute)

“One sentence for today: An all‑star dad doesn’t do everything perfectly, but he consistently leads his kids toward God with his time, his words, and his example.”

Tell them you’ll look at three marks of an all‑star dad:

Shows up with time

Trains with God’s Word

Lives it out as an example

3. Mark #1 – He Shows Up (Time) (4 minutes)

Use Deuteronomy 6:6–7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…”

Key points:

God assumes dads are with their kids—sitting, walking, lying down, getting up—ordinary life moments.

The way to your kids’ hearts is time together; middle schoolers may pull away, but they are quietly watching and wanting you near.

Example Bible dad:

Job regularly prayed for his children, setting aside time to bring them before God. He didn’t just think about them; he made time to intercede for them.

Very practical ideas for dads of middle schoolers:

One “non‑negotiable” touch point each week (Saturday breakfast, drive to school, weekly walk).

One technology rule: “When I’m with you, my phone is down.”

Pray with them briefly at least a couple of times a week (bedtime, car, before a game).

Transition line: “You can’t lead your kids if you’re never with your kids. But once we’re with them, what do we do with that time?”

4. Mark #2 – He Trains with God’s Word (Words) (4 minutes)

Use Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go…” and Ephesians 6:4: “…bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Key points:

God calls dads to be the primary spiritual trainers, not just the youth pastor or church.

Middle schoolers need short, repeated, real conversations about God—not long lectures.

Example Bible dad:

Joshua, who said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). He led his family toward God, not just himself.

Practical ways to “train”:

Use car rides: ask, “Where did you see God today?” or “Any questions about God or faith this week?”

Short Bible rhythm: read a few verses together once or twice a week; ask two simple questions, “What does this say about God?” and “What does this say about us?”

Tie conversations to their real world: after a game, talk about character; after a conflict with a friend, talk about forgiveness.

Encourage them: “You don’t have to be a Bible scholar. Just be one step ahead and be willing to open your mouth.”

5. Mark #3 – He Lives It Out (Example) (3 minutes)

Use the pattern seen in Proverbs—a father talking to his son: “My son, if you accept my words…” The whole book assumes a dad whose life and counsel go together.

Key idea:

Your kids may not always listen to what you say, but they never stop watching what you do.

Middle schoolers are allergic to hypocrisy; they can spot it instantly.

Bible examples:

Noah obeyed God in a wicked culture and led his family into the ark. His obedience under pressure showed his children what real faith looks like.

Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, obeyed God even when it was costly and confusing (taking Mary as his wife, fleeing to Egypt). His quiet faithfulness created a stable, godly home.

Practical questions for dads:

Do my kids see me repent and say, “I was wrong, will you forgive me?”

Do they ever catch me reading the Bible or praying without me making a show of it?

Do they hear me talk about people with kindness, or criticism and anger?

One simple challenge:

“Pick one area where your life and your words don’t match yet, and this week, start closing that gap.”

6. Closing Challenge (1 minute)

End with both grace and challenge:

“None of us is nailing this. There are no perfect all‑star dads, only imperfect dads with a perfect Father. Your kids don’t need a flawless dad; they need a humble, present, Jesus‑following dad who keeps getting back up.”

Give a simple, memorable next step:

1 person to text or call for accountability this week.

1 time you’ll spend with your middle schooler on purpose.

1 faith conversation you’ll try to start.

Close in prayer:

Ask God to heal past failures, to give courage, and to help each man be an all‑star dad who points his kids to Christ.