Hausvater: /HAUS-fah-ter/
noun (German)
1. Housefather.
2. Spiritually responsible head of household, including the housefather as assisted by the housemother.
>> Example: "As the Hausvater should teach it [Christian doctrine] to the entire family ..."
(Martin Luther, Small Catechism, 1529)
Confessional Lutherans recognize the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice. For more information on the relationship between confessional subscription and the doctrine of sola scriptura ("Scripture alone"), visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The following excepts from Holy Scripture pertain especially to the Mission and Vision of The Hausvater Project.
[6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [7] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. [8] Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. [9] Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
[23:14b] You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. ... [24:15b] As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
[4] We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
[5] He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
[6] so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
[7] Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
[3] Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
[4] Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
[5] Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Scripture passages are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Available online: www.biblegateway.com.