Nancy Pearcey Archives

What do Families Need Most? More Fathers.

11 Comments / June 18, 2018

The debate over family ministry has been alive and well over the past ten years, and for that I am grateful. One of the things I was not aware of is how Dad’s were removed from being the primary spiritual leaders of their homes through the industrial revolution. Up to that point, there was no […]

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11 responses to “What do Families Need Most? More Fathers.”

J.C.

June 9, 2014

Amen!

Joey E

June 9, 2014

Thanks for sharing this, Sam. This issue has been on my mind a lot, as we work with a largely fatherless generation. Men have been pushed aside, and (often in passivity) have willingly allowed themselves to be pushed aside & irrelevant.

We must reach the next generation. We must especially reach the fatherless, to guide them to break this cycle.

samluce

June 9, 2014

Thanks for your comment Joey. I agree. Many times I find myself doing what is easier or produces what I think is the best results rather than doing what is more difficult. I believe engaging dads is more difficult and at the same time will make the most lasting impact in this generation and the next. If we can help dads be more present both physically and emotionally our kids will be the ones that benefit most.

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Wayne Stocks

June 9, 2014

Great article Sam. We need to teach men not only how to lead their own households but how to be a Christian model and mentor to the fatherless in our society. I believe wholeheartedly that the answer to the crisis of fatherlessness that we face in our society (short of convincing men to stick around and be fathers) is to train and equip a generation of men who can be out in the community and serve as mentors and role models not only for their own kids but for their kids’ friend who don’t know what a Christian dad is, who can’t relate to God as Father and who may otherwise never step across the thresholds of our churches.

samluce

June 9, 2014

Completely agree Wayne.

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Scott Larsen

June 10, 2014

I agree with your conclusion that we need dads to be the spiritual leaders in the family and that the church needs to be intentional about making that a reality. I recently read about the industrial revolution impact on families. In the 19th century men who found purpose and value in being a husband and father suddenly found themselves spending most of their waking hours doing a job that they really didn’t care about. Their self-esteem plummeted because they lacked purpose. Men need to see that regardless of their job, their primary role is leading their family – and in many cases, that might mean working less.

samluce

June 11, 2014

Scott really good.Nancy whole chapter on gender roles and how things changed with the industrial revelation was powerful. I wish I could post the whole chapter but was really really good. She for me framed the argument so well as to why men are ambivalent towards religion. Thanks for adding your thoughts to the conversation.

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Mike Liebler

June 17, 2014

I agree Dads are the key they set the standards spiritually and socially. http://theyouthculturereport.com/flashback-dads-are-the-key-4/

Courtney Wilson

June 24, 2014

I was just reading this exact excerpt the other day and was saddened at the information. This has led to even more than just what has been represented here, as I’m sure you know. I think this cultural shift contributes heavily to the idea that children are “for the mom.” As if the dad was simply the donor and the mom is now the caregiver, which then contributes to even deeper issues. Vicious cycle.
I am SO grateful for men like you and many others who are stepping up to lead children and family ministries in the church – your leadership and modeling are a great start!

samluce

June 24, 2014

Courtney thanks so much. Appreciate you comment. Great meeting you at the gathering hope to see you there next year!

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What Do Families Need Most? More Fathers

July 4, 2018

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