Fatherhood through the lens of Tim Neufeld

Faithfully spoke with Tim Neufeld, based out of Abbotsford, BC. Neufeld first achieved success as the co-founder and lead singer of EMI recording artist STARFIELD. He has toured the world for over a decade, shared the stage with countless Canadian Country, Roots and Christian artists, and won multiple JUNO, Dove, and Covenant Awards. Tim Neufeld has been married for 15 years to Carla and is the father of three children, Haven 10, Oliver 9, and Bowen 6.

What do you love most about being a dad?
Tim: I love sharing my life with my family. Of all the different roles I play in life, the husband/father role is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever known. It’s hard being a father, but in the best sort of way, and it helps me understand more about what love really is. Becoming a father made me a whole person. It made me re-evaluate what’s most important. More than anything, I want to raise good and kind people. I feel blessed to have that responsibility!

What’s it like reuniting with your family after you’ve been on tour?
Tim: It is the most amazing feeling in the world. I’m just completing a two-week tour, and have most of the summer off, so I’m looking forward to some quality time with the kids. Family ice-cream outings, building a tree fort, and Friday movie nights are just a few of the things on the list. I get to do all the things I loved from my childhood all over again through the eyes of my kids... How cool is that?

What are some of the challenges you face as a father?
Tim: As amazing as it can be, there isn’t a day that goes by without some sort of pain in parenting. I have to put the good of everyone else above my own. Sometimes I have to fight the urge to escape; to just let the kids veg out on their screens while I retreat somewhere and do the same. Any amount of time invested into meeting them at their level and simply just ‘playing’ with them, pays incredible dividends.

What message do you want to convey to your children?
Tim: I want my kids to be fearless, to love deeply, and to experience all that life can give them. I want them to be in touch with morality and their mortality. I want to raise children spiritually aligned with who God is and where they fit into the big picture. I want them to respect all people and be kindred spirits with each other. My prayer is that they’d always fight for what is right, and true, and trustworthy... constantly loving from the centre of who they are!

How has your dad inspired you as a father?
Tim: My father is the most moral man I’ve ever met. He has served his family in the most admirable ways. The older I get, the less I take our relationship for granted. We are a product of our parents. 

What words of encouragement do you have for Christian dads?
Tim: For all dads, of any religion, be encouraged! Fatherhood is more than just a physical transaction; it is a spiritual thing. Too many dads leave when it gets tough. Let’s break the cycle. You’ll get back what you put in. Stick with your children, and really get to know them. It is the most rewarding thing you will do in this life.

Photos courtesy of Tim Neufeld

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The new single BLESSED by ‘Tim and the Glory Boys’ is available to listen to HERE.
Written by Nadia Hinds