The Impact of Fathers: Evidence-Based Strategies for Churches, Non-Profits and Schools
Fathers are the most important men in any community, anywhere, everywhere, ever.
Happy Father’s Day Week!
This is one post I believe all of America’s 72 million fathers need to read this week. Feel free to share it with any father you know, or anyone who might want to be a father or a father figure someday. I’m convinced that if people knew the data on how important fathers are, Father’s Day would be a much bigger holiday. Here are some essential points to consider regarding the importance of fathers. The information below is just the tip of the iceberg in supporting this fact: fathers are the most important men in any community, anywhere, everywhere, ever. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping the future of their children and, by extension, the entire community. Their presence, involvement, and guidance are pivotal for the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their children. Here’s some data that schools, churches, and non-profits need to know to understand the profound impact fathers have:
Emotional Support: Children with engaged fathers exhibit better emotional regulation and are less likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Academic Success: Fathers who are actively involved in their children's education often see their children achieve higher grades and perform better in school.
Behavioral Impact: The presence of a father or father figure significantly reduces the likelihood of children engaging in delinquent behavior or substance abuse.
Social Development: Fathers help in developing social skills and self-confidence in their children, which are crucial for forming healthy relationships in the future.
Spiritual Formation: The greatest predictor of faith persistence from childhood into adulthood is the nature of a child's relationship with their father.
According to "What can the Federal Government Do To Decrease Crime and Revitalize Communities?" from the U.S. Department of Justice, children from fatherless homes account for:
Suicide: 63 percent of youth suicides
Runaways: 90 percent of all homeless and runaway youths
Behavioral Disorders: 85 percent of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders
High School Dropouts: 71 percent of all high school dropouts
Juvenile Detention Rates: 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions
Substance Abuse: 75 percent of adolescent patients in substance abuse centers
Aggression: 75 percent of rapists motivated by displaced anger
Much of this should make sense since the number one predictor of empathy toward others when children are raised is the amount of time children spend with their fathers (see below).
These are the sorts of things boys need to be taught regarding their aspirations to be fathers and the importance of being a father or a father figure someday. When men become fathers, they have a massive opportunity to impact society. Fathers need to know and understand just how important they are and need support in fulfilling their vocation well. Here’s why:
(1) Father-youth closeness drives the mental health of teenagers. If teens don’t feel close to their fathers, they report having poor mental health. This is especially true for boys.
In their study, O'Gara et al. (2024) explore the connection between father-youth closeness and adolescent self-rated health, emphasizing the mediating role of mental health. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, the researchers found that perceived closeness with fathers is directly related to better self-rated health among adolescents. This relationship is fully mediated by mental health for boys and partially for girls, highlighting gender differences in how father-youth closeness influences health outcomes. The findings underscore the complex pathways through which father-child relationships impact adolescent health and suggest that fostering close relationships with fathers could improve both mental and physical health outcomes for adolescents.
(2) Father absence correlated with early puberty. The presence of a father has a profound biological function.
In his study, "Age at Puberty and Father Absence in a National Probability Sample," Anthony F. Bogaert examines how the absence of a father at age 14 impacts pubertal timing in both boys and girls. Using data from a national probability sample, Bogaert found that father absence predicted an earlier onset of puberty for both genders, while mother absence or the presence of a stepfather did not significantly affect pubertal timing. These findings suggest that specific psychosocial factors, such as father absence, play a crucial role in the growth and development of adolescents. This research extends previous studies by highlighting the importance of paternal presence for both boys and girls and calls for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving these associations.
(3) Father absence causes, not correlates with, teen negative impacts outcomes such as outcomes as high school graduation, social-emotional adjustment, teen risky behaviors (like substance abuse and early/teen pregnancy), and adult mental health.
In their article "The Causal Effects of Father Absence," McLanahan, Tach, and Schneider review studies employing rigorous research designs to isolate the causal effects of father absence on children's well-being. These designs include lagged dependent variable models, growth curve models, individual and sibling fixed effects models, natural experiments, and propensity score matching models. Their review finds consistent evidence that father absence negatively impacts outcomes such as high school graduation, social-emotional adjustment, and adult mental health. Although the magnitude of these effects is smaller compared to traditional cross-sectional studies, the negative impacts of father absence remain significant. The strongest and most consistent effects are observed in children's social-emotional development, risky behaviors during adolescence, and adult mental health. The authors highlight the importance of using robust methodologies to account for omitted variable bias and reverse causality, emphasizing the continued relevance of father absence in shaping various aspects of offspring well-being.
(4) When dads are depressed, they pass their depression onto their kids. Here’s the problem: depressed teen boys will act out in the following ways—drug and alcohol abuse, video game addiction, overly aggressive or overly passive, etc.; depressed teen girls—self-harm, engage in risky sexual behavior with boys, etc.
In their study "The Unique Effect of Paternal Depressive Symptoms on Adolescent Functioning," Reeb and Conger analyze longitudinal data from 451 families to explore how paternal depressive symptoms impact adolescent well-being. The research highlights that paternal depressive symptoms significantly correlate with increased depressive symptoms in adolescents, even after accounting for previous depressive symptoms, maternal depressive symptoms, gender, and family demographics. Notably, the study reveals that this association is stronger for girls, particularly those who report low closeness with their fathers. This indicates that the quality of the father-adolescent relationship and adolescent gender play critical roles in the influence of paternal depression on adolescent mental health. These findings underscore the importance of addressing paternal mental health and fostering close father-adolescent relationships, especially for girls, to mitigate the adverse effects on adolescent development.
(5) Fathers who aren’t involved and attended to their kids in infancy turn their kids into tyrants by the age of 11.
In the longitudinal study "Father–infant interaction patterns as precursors of children’s later externalizing behavior problems," Trautmann-Villalba et al. examine how early interactions between fathers and their infants predict externalizing behavior problems in children at ages 8 and 11. The study finds that less responsive and less sensitive interactions by fathers (especially with daughters) at 3 months are associated with higher levels of externalizing behaviors in later childhood. Notably, patterns where fathers were nonresponsive and infants were more active also correlated with increased externalizing problems. These findings highlight the critical role of early father-infant interactions in the development of later behavioral issues, suggesting that enhancing paternal sensitivity and responsiveness early on could help mitigate future externalizing problems in children.
(6) Faith persistence in children into adulthood, is a consequence of how close fathers are to their children.
From a previous post:
Here’s what the data shows: the most important predicator of faith persistence for children is the child’s relationship with their father. In absence of biological fathers, grandfathers and mature father-figures are equally effective. A 35-year longitudinal study shows “having a close bond with one’s father matters even more than a close relationship with one’s mother.” The study, by Bengtson, Putney, and Harris, demonstrates that “emotional closeness with mothers remains important for religious inheritance but not to the same degree as it is for fathers.” Mothers matter but not as much as fathers. What kind of fathers? Warm fathers. What is a “warm” father? Warmth in parenting refers to behaviors like showing affection, providing comfort, expressing concern, nurturing, and offering support to the child. It indicates a parent's love and acceptance of the child and stands in contrast to the absence or withdrawal of parental love.
(7) For girls, their level of sexual promiscuity upon arriving on a college campus is closely related to the quality of their relationship with their fathers. Specifically, the likelihood that a young woman will engage in promiscuous behavior (and possibly drug use) in college is significantly influenced by whether or not she has a close relationship with her father. Period.
In a study published in the Journal of American College Health, researchers Whitney L. Rostad, Paul Silverman, and Molly K. McDonald examined the impact of father-daughter relationships on risky behaviors among female college students. The study found that a father’s psychological presence—characterized by feelings of warmth, involvement, and support—significantly predicted lower levels of sexual risk-taking and illicit drug use, even after accounting for factors such as impulsivity, depression, and other risky behaviors. The research involved 203 female college students who completed various scales assessing their perceived closeness with their fathers, substance use, sexual behaviors, impulsivity, and depression. Results revealed that those who perceived a higher psychological presence of their fathers were less likely to engage in risky behaviors compared to those with lower perceived closeness. These findings support evolutionary theories suggesting that strong father-daughter relationships act as a protective factor against risky behaviors, emphasizing the need for interventions that enhance paternal involvement and support.
(8) Middle-school and high-school students who are very close to their fathers are less likely to binge drink.
A recent study title, “The importance of family management, closeness with father and family structure in early adolescent alcohol use” by Cherine Habib and colleagues examined the impact of family management, father-adolescent relationships, and family structure on early adolescent alcohol use. Conducted across 30 diverse Australian communities, the research involved 8,256 students aged 10-14. The study found that effective family management—characterized by parental monitoring and clear family rules about alcohol—was the strongest factor in reducing early alcohol use. Adolescents with higher family management were less likely to have tried alcohol, consumed it in the past 30 days, or engaged in binge drinking. Additionally, emotionally close relationships with fathers were associated with lower instances of lifetime alcohol use and recent binge drinking. These findings highlight the critical role of family practices and father-child emotional closeness in preventing early alcohol use among adolescents, suggesting that fostering these relationships and management practices could be key strategies in community intervention programs aimed at reducing underage drinking.
(9) In rural America, pre-teens and teens without fathers living in the home engage in more sexual activity.
The increasing trend of father absence in the United States is linked to various social pathologies, particularly among rural southern adolescents. The study, “The influence of father absence on the self-esteem and self-reported sexual activity of rural southern adolescents” by Hendricks et al., published in the ABNF Journal, investigates the impact of father absence on self-esteem and self-reported sexual activity among adolescents aged 11 to 18. The study reveals that those without a resident father engaged in more sexual activity. However, while there was a statistically significant relationship between father absence and lower self-esteem, the difference in self-esteem levels was not substantial. This research suggests that while the absence of a father might affect adolescents' lifestyle choices, it is the quality of fathering rather than mere presence that plays a crucial role.
(10) High academic achievement is a reflection of father connection
In the article "The Correlation Between Father Involvement and The Academic Achievement of Their Children: Meta-Analysis," researchers Lazović, Krulj, Vidosavljević, and Marković delve into the pivotal role fathers play in their children's academic success. The study consolidates findings from nine distinct studies, painting a thorough picture of the profound impact paternal involvement has on educational outcomes.
The meta-analysis reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between the degree of father involvement and children's academic performance. The research explores several dimensions of father involvement, including participation in their children's education both at school and at home, contributions to their psychosocial well-being, behavioral modeling, and engagement in leisure activities. Each of these aspects independently contributes positively to children's academic achievements.
In another study, research shows a significant relationship between aspects of father involvement in their children's education and student achievement beyond that accounted for by mother involvement.
The benefits of father involvement extend far beyond academic success. Children with engaged fathers exhibit better emotional regulation, higher self-confidence, and improved social skills. These children also tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, further contributing to their overall development.
For parents and educators, recognizing the critical role of fathers can lead to the creation of programs and strategies that encourage more active paternal involvement. Schools and communities should foster environments where fathers feel welcomed and valued in their children's educational processes.
Policymakers can also benefit from these insights by formulating policies that support family structures and promote father-friendly practices in workplaces and communities.
I could go on. . .
Get the Picture?
Fathers are absolutely vital and indespenable. They are so essential that I’m convinced the very first ministry a church should launch and feature prominently is a ministry to fathers. Non-profits working in low-income communities should focus on fathers. Schools should emphasize the importance of fathers for child development, improving education outcomes, and thriving.
Given what we know about the role of fathers, why do churches prioritize children's and youth ministries before ministries to parents and fathers? Why aren’t fathers the focus? Why isn’t strengthening marriage the center of attention? Strengthening the covenant family is categorically more important than “outreach” and “missions” because the covenant family is the most powerful and historic apologetic and evangelistic tool God uses to introduce Himself to the nations through the church. I cannot imagine why a church would have a missions ministry but not have ministries dedicated to strengthening everyone’s marriage and parenting. The kingdom and the world depend on the flourishing of covenant families within the church.
What Should Churches Do?
Here’s what churches need to really think and rethink in light of the hundreds of pages of evidence and data available: Fathers are the most important men in any community, anywhere, everywhere, ever. Their influence shapes the very fabric of society, guiding children toward healthier, more fulfilling spiritual and personal lives. Here’s how churches can support and empower fathers, drawn from crucial research findings:
Prioritize Father-Youth Connection: The entire point of children and youth ministry must be to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and vice-versa toward growing in their mutual faith in Christ. A youth ministry that does not have parents, especially fathers, at the center of everything they do to form children as Christ followers, is not only unrecognizable to the Scriptures but also not helping kids and teens in their churches in the long run. Churches should create programs that facilitate greater father-child bonding.
Combat the Negative Outcomes of Father Absence: Father absence doesn’t just correlate with negative outcomes; it causes them. High school graduation rates, social-emotional adjustment, and adult mental health are all adversely affected by father absence as shown above. Churches must emphasize the importance of fatherhood in their teachings and provide practical support for struggling fathers to stay engaged in their children's lives. For kids without fathers, the goal should be finding them mentors and coaches to serve as father figures in their lives.
Make Sure Dads Are Doing Well—Physically, Spiritually, and Emotionally: Depressed fathers often pass their depression on to their children, leading to a host of behavioral issues. Fathers need support. Churches can offer counseling services, and support groups specifically for fathers, and mentoring from older men, creating a space where men can discuss their marital challenges, struggles, and opportunities, and provide wisdom, insight, emotional and spiritual direction.
Enhance Father-Infant Interaction: Early interactions between fathers and their infants are crucial. Churches can provide parenting classes, if necessary, that emphasize and provide direction on the importance of fatherly engagement from infancy, teaching fathers how to be present and responsive to their children’s needs as infants. Older fathers should teach the younger fathers. In fact, the first 36-months of the child’s life in important ways shapes the rest. How can we help fathers during this critical period?
Support Father-Led Faith Transmission: Churches need to wake up to the fact that parents matter more than children’s and youth staff. Parents, especially mothers it seems, need to be made aware that faith persistence is an outcome of the home, not the church. Faith in children is not built on church programming but at home. Since the most critical predictor of children maintaining their faith into adulthood is their relationship with their parents, especially their father, churches should encourage fathers to be spiritual directors in their homes, offering resources and training to help them nurture their children’s faith as they “walk long the road.” This does not mean turn the home into a seminary. Warmth, joy, fun, and so on. For Christian kids, a synonym for their father should be “joy.”
Reduce Risky Teen and College-Age Behaviors Through Fathers: Adolescents and college students who are very close to their fathers are less likely to engage in binge drinking and risky sexual behaviors. What, then, should churches be doing to facilitate more closeness between teens and their fathers? What can college ministries do to keep strong connections between students and their fathers?
This is very helpful ancient wisdom:
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) "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, when you lie down and when you get up."
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Colossians 3:21 (NIV) "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
Malachi 4:6 (NIV) "He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NIV) "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."
The Bottom Line
Fathers are indispensable pillars of their families and communities. Churches, schools, and non-profits have a unique opportunity to support and empower fathers, fostering healthier families and stronger communities. By providing practical resources, emotional support, and opportunities for engagement, these institutions can help fathers fulfill their critical roles more effectively.
When fathers thrive, everyone thrives. When fathers struggle, everyone struggles. With struggling fathers we see binge-drinking high school students, sexual promiscuity, failing schools, depressed teens, the onset of puberty, and more. Until churches, schools, policy-makers, and non-profits realize this, all of their programs may be an exercise in futility.
Send this to every man you know, especially those who are not yet fathers. Let me know your thoughts. Is this encouraging and empowering or discouraging and daunting?
Lastly, in a 26-year-long study, researchers found that the number one factor in developing empathy in children was father involvement, especially in homes with supportive mothers. Fathers spending regular time alone with their children translated into children who became compassionate adults. Richard Koestner, et al., “The Family Origins of Empathic Concern: A Twenty-Six Year Longitudinal Study,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 58 (1990): 709-717. For some strange reason, people are surprised by this data but here’s an example of exactly how that is formed by fathers. Fathers, if you need motivation, watch this video of Daniel Grose teaching his son what will be needed of him someday! Who can relate?
Wow. Eye opening brother. Thank you! I will be more introspective and active in this regard, as well as encouraging my friends to do the same.
So encouraging! Thank you Anthony!🙏 I’ll be sending this to all the dads and future dads I know.