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Dad Tired and Loving It: Stumbling Your Way to Spiritual Leadership
Do You Want to Be a Spiritual Leader? Start Here
Have the day-to-day realities of being a dad and husband left you frustrated or just plain worn out? You’re not alone.
Jerrad Lopes felt that way too…until he started blogging about his struggles and discovered thousands of other men who want to be good husbands and fathers but don’t know where to start.
You will learn that spiritual leaders When you begin to understand the bigger picture of God’s purpose for you in your marriage and family, you’ll see that the good news of Jesus makes it possible for you to love and lead without fear and discouragement.
Get equipped and encouraged as you become the man God is calling you to be—even when you’re dad tired.
Have the day-to-day realities of being a dad and husband left you frustrated or just plain worn out? You’re not alone.
Jerrad Lopes felt that way too…until he started blogging about his struggles and discovered thousands of other men who want to be good husbands and fathers but don’t know where to start.
You will learn that spiritual leaders When you begin to understand the bigger picture of God’s purpose for you in your marriage and family, you’ll see that the good news of Jesus makes it possible for you to love and lead without fear and discouragement.
Get equipped and encouraged as you become the man God is calling you to be—even when you’re dad tired.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2019
141 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 11, 2021
Not what I expected or wanted. I went in to the book thinking it would be more directly focused on being a dad while being extremely busy. This was touched but not in the way I was expecting. I think Chapter 8 was the best and if I were to go back through I would be fine with just chapter 8 and maybe a bit of 9.
This is not a terrible book. I just felt personally that it was more of an extensive devotional. But there were not any significant new truths that stuck out. There were several repeats of illustrations which is fine and mentioned the "Dad Tired Podcast" and webpage which I will be checking out. I feel those could be good resources for busy Dads.
Overall, there are some good scriptural foundational truths and it may be what you need in your season. For this season of my life it just did not speak to me as deeply as I was hoping. I do applaud the author for being willing and able to open up with real life thoughts and feelings and being vulnerable and humble. I can see how this would be difficult. I do look forward to checking out his other resources.
This is not a terrible book. I just felt personally that it was more of an extensive devotional. But there were not any significant new truths that stuck out. There were several repeats of illustrations which is fine and mentioned the "Dad Tired Podcast" and webpage which I will be checking out. I feel those could be good resources for busy Dads.
Overall, there are some good scriptural foundational truths and it may be what you need in your season. For this season of my life it just did not speak to me as deeply as I was hoping. I do applaud the author for being willing and able to open up with real life thoughts and feelings and being vulnerable and humble. I can see how this would be difficult. I do look forward to checking out his other resources.
February 13, 2023
There is some substance to this book, but honestly it is a watered down discipleship sermon series with minimal scripture published as a book. I really feel the title "Dad Tired" is more of a brand than anything. The author comes across as immature with his personal illustrations and I really didn't get much from them other than learning about him specifically. He almost came across as humble bragging with his personal stories about his immature mistakes. The majority of the book really doesn't touch specifically on being a Dad, just a common hip message about discipleship you would hear directed to church members in my age group. Again, not to say I disagree with what he is saying in any way, but you could explore the topic of discipleship and find books with much more depth. This is not meant to be a bashing session, just my honest review. I wouldn't recommend this book.
November 25, 2020
Too many stories, not enough Scripture.
May 14, 2020
I have to admit at first I was a little snotty when I started this book, since I had been a dad longer and had been married longer than Jerrad, I thought what can this young man teach me.....well I sounded like a curmudgeon and have since repented of that because Jerrad’s book really blessed me, and I am so glad I read it. I have followed his podcast and have been blessed by that as well. This is a solid, accessible book that I would recommend for all dads. Highly recommended
August 24, 2023
I honestly did not know what to expect from this book, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to read it. There are so many great takeaways for fathers to glean from. This will be a book that I will recommend every dad to read!
September 3, 2019
I have been listening to the podcast from Jerrad for a while so I was interested to find out if the book is as my expectations and it was. It is inspiring to hear and read "Dad Tired" encouraging men to be the spiritual leader in their home. This is something many men are struggling with. We need to grow in this area. It is a very practical book, packet with examples, advises and also humour. Helping us to grow as a father, husband and follower of Christ."
Pieter.
Pieter.
November 29, 2020
Definitely recommendable. Low on practical parenting tips and high on “how to be a godly man and let the rest work itself out”. Definitely not a “how to” on parenting... I think I was expecting that.
I loved the idea that the best thing I offer my kids is my relationship with God and my wife. Super helpful concept. Freeing!
I loved the idea that the best thing I offer my kids is my relationship with God and my wife. Super helpful concept. Freeing!
January 21, 2020
This is a great but short and quick read for all fathers who want to be better husbands, leaders and followers of Jesus. Simple yet applicable ideas along with easy to understand concepts which make for down to earth conversations between fellow brothers. The Bible is so important to our faith in Jesus, but books like this help make the encouragement and challenge of our fellow men that much easier.
February 23, 2024
I enjoyed this book, well audiobook, but felt that it was more of a primer for something more. Which would make sense, since Jerrad Lopes has built a sort of empire online with his podcasts and other resources. It does give a few practical ways to connect to your kids and wife. He is very relatable, in the stories he tells, and how we are all trying to stay off a screens and connect to our families. For a self help book, it certainly was entertaining.
July 13, 2023
I really appreciated the down-to-earth approach of the author in addressing the very practical challenges of intentional fatherhood. I love that he takes the pressure off of perfectly following a set of steps to get a specific result. Life is messy and kids are energetic. If you reduce parenting down to a checklist to follow, you will probably lose your kids. Don’t get me wrong, checklists are helpful. But parenting by modeling our faith, and discipling our children through the every day messy moments will have lasting impact. In order to do that, it needs to be real for us as dads. I need to be immersed in the gospel and living out of that truth if I expect my kids to pick that up. The first question you need to ask is “What do I want? What is my Aspen?” That’s what a spiritual leader does. He picks the destination and then models it for his followers.
October 13, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this book. This is a must read for every man, farther or not. It's challenging and encouraging for men to be focused and intentional and not lazy or bored. Well crafted with lots of real life stories and examples of how to live for Jesus. It's truly profound. Read it!
May 31, 2021
There’s nothing super deep in the book, but I found it to be one of the most applicable parenting/fatherhood books I’ve read. It’s real, simple, clear, and gives some great principles that are easy to apply. Quick read that’s worth the investment!
February 26, 2024
Filled with gospel truths and was a good devotional type book with relatable stories. Just not at all what I expected going into it—thought it was going to talk a lot more on fatherhood, but it was only touched on a little bit throughout. Still encouraging!
January 13, 2021
This is a practical book on how to lead a family in the footsteps of Jesus. Jerrads writing is approachable, his stories are relatable, and his insight is impactful. This is an easy, short read that packs a punch.
September 7, 2021
Terrific stuff if you're a dad with kiddos at home
May 7, 2024
A much needed read for this season of life.
August 7, 2025
Serious yet humorous at the same time. Would’ve been 5 stars if it wasn’t such a quick read, but valuable information, habits to practice and leadership values throughout.
September 24, 2022
Wow wow wow. This is the male/father version of M is for Mama and is an amazing book about being a godly father and creating a vision for your spiritual leadership.
A great read for moms too!
A great read for moms too!
February 19, 2024
In Constantine Campbell's "Jesus vs. Evangelicals", he talks about the three 'psuedo-Gospels' being preached in the American pulpit today. One of them is the self-help Gospel and another is the feel-good Gospel. This book is a mix of the two. Not only did I find it a bit intellectually-thin, but there were some points where I seriously questioned this guy's credentials. In one place, he gives terrible advice to a friend who was struggling with his marriage and was being borderline abusively treated by his wife--Lopes said basically "suck it up and keep pursuing her"...not "seek professional help"???
There were a few good points made, but those are overshadowed by the rest of his nonsense. This book appeals to a 21st century American seeker-sensitive audience not interested in looking for answers through depth.
There were a few good points made, but those are overshadowed by the rest of his nonsense. This book appeals to a 21st century American seeker-sensitive audience not interested in looking for answers through depth.
August 3, 2022
This was a nice, little book, but read more like a collection of blog articles than an in-depth study of anything. It was conversational in tone and spoke great truths, but I think it resonates more with those who are already in his tribe than it did with me as my first exposure to Lopes. I enjoyed it, for sure, but, unfortunately, it was forgettable.
I say that not because the content was bad, but because I write reviews in bulk, often months after reading, to see what stuck. In this book, I'm struggling with remembering anything more than a nice feeling I got from it.
I say that not because the content was bad, but because I write reviews in bulk, often months after reading, to see what stuck. In this book, I'm struggling with remembering anything more than a nice feeling I got from it.
May 6, 2023
There are a few gems, but you’ve got to dig for them. It’s so badly written - which just makes it hard to read 🤦🏼♂️ stop calling me “bro”!
Feels like a typed-up podcast convo, which never made for a good book.
Feels like a typed-up podcast convo, which never made for a good book.
March 25, 2025
Too many personal stories and not enough scripture.
Overall, I think the idea behind the book is a good idea. There is a need for encouragement for tired dads. But how the author goes about encouraging and addressing this need is based more on amusing anecdotes than on the Word of God. Therefore, the depth is severely lacking.
In addition to this, many of the examples used in the book highlighted some significant immaturity on the part of the author, sometimes which wasn't explained or corrected in the end. There were rash decisions, major decisions made without consulting wisdom or his wife (like almost buying a Harley on a whim), actually breaking the law by sneaking out of a hotel without escorts in a foreign country... The list goes on and on. All of these really didn't serve the purpose of encouraging towards holiness, maturity and discipline but almost had the opposite effect.
Additionally the chapter on "adventure" was not good at all. There is no scriptural foundation provided for the fact that men just want "adventure" and that's why they fall into sin. It's called selfishness, and the antidote is not "finding a purpose through serving" like on short-term missions or seeking something thrilling like evangelism (both of which are generally good things). The antidote is Christ alone through the gospel alone. Why beat around the bush when the answer is so plain?
There was the role of the holy Spirit that was confused often with "hearing" people speak words of the holy Spirit.
Lastly, the common "lingo" like using "bro" all the time throughout the book only distracted, like the author was trying to be ultra-hip. But I guess this is what you expect when the idea is founded more on a "brand" or a podcast than on scripture. The author has his own website (named after himself) and a mega church. Beware of shallow theology.
Overall, I think the idea behind the book is a good idea. There is a need for encouragement for tired dads. But how the author goes about encouraging and addressing this need is based more on amusing anecdotes than on the Word of God. Therefore, the depth is severely lacking.
In addition to this, many of the examples used in the book highlighted some significant immaturity on the part of the author, sometimes which wasn't explained or corrected in the end. There were rash decisions, major decisions made without consulting wisdom or his wife (like almost buying a Harley on a whim), actually breaking the law by sneaking out of a hotel without escorts in a foreign country... The list goes on and on. All of these really didn't serve the purpose of encouraging towards holiness, maturity and discipline but almost had the opposite effect.
Additionally the chapter on "adventure" was not good at all. There is no scriptural foundation provided for the fact that men just want "adventure" and that's why they fall into sin. It's called selfishness, and the antidote is not "finding a purpose through serving" like on short-term missions or seeking something thrilling like evangelism (both of which are generally good things). The antidote is Christ alone through the gospel alone. Why beat around the bush when the answer is so plain?
There was the role of the holy Spirit that was confused often with "hearing" people speak words of the holy Spirit.
Lastly, the common "lingo" like using "bro" all the time throughout the book only distracted, like the author was trying to be ultra-hip. But I guess this is what you expect when the idea is founded more on a "brand" or a podcast than on scripture. The author has his own website (named after himself) and a mega church. Beware of shallow theology.
October 14, 2020
Don't let the 3 stars deceive you, this is an excellent book! Lope's writing is casual and easy to understand, which is especially helpful since this book is aimed at targeting a culture of men who most likely are not readers. This is a call to arms to lean in to what it actually means to surrender one's life to Jesus, dying to yourself daily, and realizing that society's definition of manhood does not really line up with how Jesus has commanded men to lead themselves, their wives, and their families.
Lopes is not insulting though. You can't get mad at a puppy for pottying on the carpet- the puppy simply doesn't know better. As a young man strong in the faith, this what I have realized attempting to encourage and strengthen other men in their faith. Most men simply aren't aware of the impetus towards pursuing Godliness and the intentionality required.
This book does not insult men's lack of leadership but comes alongside to encourage and show men from the very start that we were designed and commanded for more. Lopes presents excellent examples and references to scripture to defend his claim. If you are a man struggling in your faith or leading your wife and/or family or someone who wants to disciple other men and learn about their struggles, this book is for you!
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because it didn't absolutely blow me away. I'll definitely keep it in my library but I'm not sure if I'll be set on rereading- though I would have no second thoughts about recommending it to others.
Lopes is not insulting though. You can't get mad at a puppy for pottying on the carpet- the puppy simply doesn't know better. As a young man strong in the faith, this what I have realized attempting to encourage and strengthen other men in their faith. Most men simply aren't aware of the impetus towards pursuing Godliness and the intentionality required.
This book does not insult men's lack of leadership but comes alongside to encourage and show men from the very start that we were designed and commanded for more. Lopes presents excellent examples and references to scripture to defend his claim. If you are a man struggling in your faith or leading your wife and/or family or someone who wants to disciple other men and learn about their struggles, this book is for you!
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because it didn't absolutely blow me away. I'll definitely keep it in my library but I'm not sure if I'll be set on rereading- though I would have no second thoughts about recommending it to others.
February 11, 2022
This is such a good book. Well written. Honest and sincere. I gained a lot of insight on how my actions, my focus, and my goals in life impact what is truly important - being a father they way Christ my Savior would want me to be. The grace of God can be felt in these pages and in Jerrad’s wisdom.
It’s a 5 star book but I can’t bring myself to leave a review without expressing the only thing that I felt disheartened by as I read it.
I don’t want to, and am not trying to, attack the faith of any individual. Such behavior is not of god. But I hope to add to and increase the face of others.
The lessons learned from Eve are not that of an ignorant mistake. Humanity is indebted to Eve for her wisdom and understanding that to further the plan of God there was no other way. Her partaking of the fruit was not s mistake that our creator didn’t see coming. Christ was not s back up plan. Mankind could not have been born into the Garden of Eden to fulfill God’s plan for us.
“And [Adam and Eve] would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s...
It’s a 5 star book but I can’t bring myself to leave a review without expressing the only thing that I felt disheartened by as I read it.
I don’t want to, and am not trying to, attack the faith of any individual. Such behavior is not of god. But I hope to add to and increase the face of others.
The lessons learned from Eve are not that of an ignorant mistake. Humanity is indebted to Eve for her wisdom and understanding that to further the plan of God there was no other way. Her partaking of the fruit was not s mistake that our creator didn’t see coming. Christ was not s back up plan. Mankind could not have been born into the Garden of Eden to fulfill God’s plan for us.
“And [Adam and Eve] would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s...
March 15, 2023
I want to start this review by stating that this is a good book.
Actually, the rating is closer to 3.5
The author includes great insight into how to lead your family to Christ. At first, I thought this would be a simple read but I found myself constantly convicted by many of the author's statements-which is how it should be.
Being a Christian father doesn't just mean we have lovely weekly Bible devotionals but rather demonstrates a life that exemplifies an attitude centered on Jesus. And that's just scraping the surface. I plan on revisiting this book as a point of reference from time to time. Although he didn't use a significant amount of scripture, the ones he uses (and reuses) illustrate excellent mindsets he argues are important for Christian Fathers to have.
This book isn't game-changing as it focuses on key ideas in Christian thought. The writing is simple, but sometimes that's what is needed for these types of books.
At times, I felt the writing was a tad too casual for my taste, nothing lazy, but I just felt I was listening to a podcast rather than an audiobook. (This book is based off the author's podcast series, so that's probably why I felt that way)
Overall, it's a decent book if you are a Christian father, however, if you aren't a practicing Christian, you may have a hard time enjoying this book.
Actually, the rating is closer to 3.5
The author includes great insight into how to lead your family to Christ. At first, I thought this would be a simple read but I found myself constantly convicted by many of the author's statements-which is how it should be.
Being a Christian father doesn't just mean we have lovely weekly Bible devotionals but rather demonstrates a life that exemplifies an attitude centered on Jesus. And that's just scraping the surface. I plan on revisiting this book as a point of reference from time to time. Although he didn't use a significant amount of scripture, the ones he uses (and reuses) illustrate excellent mindsets he argues are important for Christian Fathers to have.
This book isn't game-changing as it focuses on key ideas in Christian thought. The writing is simple, but sometimes that's what is needed for these types of books.
At times, I felt the writing was a tad too casual for my taste, nothing lazy, but I just felt I was listening to a podcast rather than an audiobook. (This book is based off the author's podcast series, so that's probably why I felt that way)
Overall, it's a decent book if you are a Christian father, however, if you aren't a practicing Christian, you may have a hard time enjoying this book.
October 29, 2019
The Good: An easy read with a clear focus on engaging men with gospel truths and intentionality. Jerrad does a great job of bringing it back to being a disciple, being a husband, and being a father. Doesn't just weigh the reader down with knowledge but plenty of beneficial illustrations to connect and inspire.
The Bad: I'm being a bit picky but the format of the book was difficult. Having boxes on a page with tweetable sentences and even full pages with foundational ideas sounds good and is a bit in vogue at the moment but this book completely overdoes it with almost every page of an already short book having it in there. Take those out and this book easily falls under 160 pages. The other bad is the language. I completely understand trying to be relatable and letting your personality flow through in writing but the amount of "bros" and "dudes" was off putting for me.
Overall: Recommend for dads looking to be intentional about leading their families and looking for practical ways to love Jesus and pursue Him well.
The Bad: I'm being a bit picky but the format of the book was difficult. Having boxes on a page with tweetable sentences and even full pages with foundational ideas sounds good and is a bit in vogue at the moment but this book completely overdoes it with almost every page of an already short book having it in there. Take those out and this book easily falls under 160 pages. The other bad is the language. I completely understand trying to be relatable and letting your personality flow through in writing but the amount of "bros" and "dudes" was off putting for me.
Overall: Recommend for dads looking to be intentional about leading their families and looking for practical ways to love Jesus and pursue Him well.
August 23, 2019
Dad Tired and Loving It
There are tons of books written for moms, books that cover every conceivable topic and attempt to answer every question. There are books filled with instruction and encouragement—so many that it makes it difficult to choose which ones to read. But for dads? Not so much. That’s really a tragedy, especially since dads already get so little help and encouragement from any source even though they need it as much as we moms do! I was so happy to come across this book. Jerrad Lopes addresses the most important topics of marriage and parenting with candor, humility, humor (I laughed out loud more than once) and biblical wisdom. His writing style is conversational, not preachy. It’s not a long book and it’s never dull, so it’s perfect for guys who might not like to read. (This includes my guy.)
I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for my husband to read it.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There are tons of books written for moms, books that cover every conceivable topic and attempt to answer every question. There are books filled with instruction and encouragement—so many that it makes it difficult to choose which ones to read. But for dads? Not so much. That’s really a tragedy, especially since dads already get so little help and encouragement from any source even though they need it as much as we moms do! I was so happy to come across this book. Jerrad Lopes addresses the most important topics of marriage and parenting with candor, humility, humor (I laughed out loud more than once) and biblical wisdom. His writing style is conversational, not preachy. It’s not a long book and it’s never dull, so it’s perfect for guys who might not like to read. (This includes my guy.)
I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for my husband to read it.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2020
Great read. I guess im glad to be have stumbled upon this book even though not a dad yet. I guess starting a family has made me consider heavily how to lead my home to Christ. I dont always know how and it can become difficult to translate Bible’s commands into modern day context sometimes. That’s why the sub-title resonates with me a lot, ‘Stumbling your way to spiritual leadership’
Im glad i dont have to always know how, just gotta find where Jesus is. My review wont do justice for the nuggets of wisdom this book has and have also encouraged me to lead well.
Author included some practical traditions in his book and I’m stealing and implementing one of it; writing the good things that God has done and keeping it in a vase/jar. I’m so excited to pour out the vase when New Year comes and as my wife and I remind ourselves of how God has been good.
Loved this book. Thanks Jerrad Lopes!
Im glad i dont have to always know how, just gotta find where Jesus is. My review wont do justice for the nuggets of wisdom this book has and have also encouraged me to lead well.
Author included some practical traditions in his book and I’m stealing and implementing one of it; writing the good things that God has done and keeping it in a vase/jar. I’m so excited to pour out the vase when New Year comes and as my wife and I remind ourselves of how God has been good.
Loved this book. Thanks Jerrad Lopes!
May 7, 2023
With today’s book, Lopes tells me of God and Jesus, and everything he tells me is true, and he does draw upon Scripture, but much of the space is taken up by personal anecdotes that I end up listening to wonderful, amusing stories, but nothing convicting reaches me.
I know he sincerely wants to encourage me, comfort me, challenge me, Lopes desires to draw me to Christ, but because of who I am, this book not for me or for the reader who over-thinks, or over-analyses and thus ruins a perfectly good movie, or as the case may be, a perfectly good book.
If you are a dad, a tired dad, why not give this book a try. You might end up loving it. The stumbling towards spiritual leadership. And if you are not a dad, give this book to a tired dad.
Full 2,300 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
I know he sincerely wants to encourage me, comfort me, challenge me, Lopes desires to draw me to Christ, but because of who I am, this book not for me or for the reader who over-thinks, or over-analyses and thus ruins a perfectly good movie, or as the case may be, a perfectly good book.
If you are a dad, a tired dad, why not give this book a try. You might end up loving it. The stumbling towards spiritual leadership. And if you are not a dad, give this book to a tired dad.
Full 2,300 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
September 4, 2019
This is a Mom review!
First, I can’t tell you how few books there are on men leading their families with a helpful, sound doctrine on leading your family—meaning, it’s not going to look perfect! This book encourages men to lead while relying on Christ as opposed to themselves—why wouldn’t you read that?? I pray for the men that are hesitant to pick up this book—you’re already doing yourself a huge service by simply by looking at it! It means you’re already trying to help your family and that is truly something worth celebrating!!
(This is written from the perspective of a wife watching my husband grow in a myriad of ways—watching him “stumble” through leadership only meant watching him grow closer to Christ!)
First, I can’t tell you how few books there are on men leading their families with a helpful, sound doctrine on leading your family—meaning, it’s not going to look perfect! This book encourages men to lead while relying on Christ as opposed to themselves—why wouldn’t you read that?? I pray for the men that are hesitant to pick up this book—you’re already doing yourself a huge service by simply by looking at it! It means you’re already trying to help your family and that is truly something worth celebrating!!
(This is written from the perspective of a wife watching my husband grow in a myriad of ways—watching him “stumble” through leadership only meant watching him grow closer to Christ!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews