The Father Factor

Absent Fathers “Tonight, more than one-third of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live.” -David Blankenhorn, “tothesource” June 15,

Absent Fathers 79.1% of Americans said “the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home”79.1% of Americans said “the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home” 90.1% believe “it is important for children to live in a home with both their mother and father”90.1% believe “it is important for children to live in a home with both their mother and father” Gallup Poll 3

The Father Factor In the family structure:In the family structure: –1.35 million births (33% of annual births) in 2000 occurred outside of marriage –Out of 80 million under 21 years, 22 million (25%) live in single-parent homes –14 million single parent households in America, 83% without a father National Fatherhood Initiative, Single-Parent-Home.com 4

The Father Factor In poverty:In poverty: –Children in father-absent homes are five times more likely to be poor –In 2002, 7.8 percent of children in married-couple families were living in poverty, compared to 38.4 percent of children in female-householder families (Source: U.S. Census Bureau) National Fatherhood Initiative 5

The Father Factor In crime:In crime: –A study of 109 juvenile offenders indicated that family structure significantly predicts delinquency –Study of 13,986 women in prison showed that more than half grew up without their father. Forty-two percent grew up in a single-mother household and sixteen percent lived with neither parent. –Study of 13,986 women in prison showed that more than half grew up without their father. Forty-two percent grew up in a single-mother household and sixteen percent lived with neither parent. National Fatherhood Initiative 6

The Father Factor In incarceration:In incarceration: –A 2002 Department of Justice survey of 7,000 inmates revealed that 39% of jail inmates lived in mother-only households »Approximately forty-six percent of jail inmates in 2002 had a previously incarcerated family member »One-fifth experienced a father in prison or jail National Fatherhood Initiative 7

The Father Factor Teen pregnancy:Teen pregnancy: –Teens without fathers were twice as likely to be involved in early sexual activity and seven times more likely to get pregnant as an adolescent. Child abuse:Child abuse: –Compared to living with both parents, living in a single-parent home doubles the risk that a child will suffer physical, emotional, or educational neglect. National Fatherhood Initiative 8

The Father Factor Drug and alcohol abuse:Drug and alcohol abuse: –Children living in two-parent household with a poor relationship with their father are 68% more likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs compared to all teens in two-parent households (Columbia University) –Teens in single mother households are at a 30% higher risk than those in two-parent households National Fatherhood Initiative 9

The Father Factor In education:In education: –Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school –Students living in father-absent homes are twice as likely to repeat a grade in school; 10 percent of children living with both parents have ever repeated a grade, compared to 20 percent of children in stepfather families and 18 percent in mother-only families National Fatherhood Initiative 10

11 Fathers Needed! Who love their children, God and His wordWho love their children, God and His word Fathers of faith, character and courage to meet the challenges of fatherhood, Eph. 6:4Fathers of faith, character and courage to meet the challenges of fatherhood, Eph. 6:4 Fathers should be respected and loved by their children – and be worthy of that respect and love, Eph. 6:1-3 (Prov. 19:26; 30:17)Fathers should be respected and loved by their children – and be worthy of that respect and love, Eph. 6:1-3 (Prov. 19:26; 30:17)

12 Father “Nourisher, protector, upholder” (Vine, 228) “Nourisher, protector, upholder” (Vine, 228) God is our example, 2 Cor. 6:17-18 God is our example, 2 Cor. 6:17-18 –Progenitor (Creator), Jas. 1:18 (Gal. 4:5-7) –Provider (Constancy), Jas. 1:17 –Protector (Comfort), 2 Cor. 1:3 (Matt. 7:11)

13 Progenitors (Genesis 5:3) Fathers give life…and moreFathers give life…and more “After his image”“After his image” –Like produces like (Jno. 8:39, 44) »Values, morals, character, attitudes and lives are shaped by fathers -- and chosen by children, Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6

14 Providers (2 Cor. 12:14-15) Physical provisions, 1 Tim. 5:8Physical provisions, 1 Tim. 5:8 –Faith, Matt. 6:25-34 (1 Ths. 4:11-12) Spiritual provisions, Eph. 6:4Spiritual provisions, Eph. 6:4 –Mind, morals, manners –Save your household (Heb. 11:7)

15 Providers (2 Cor. 12:14-15) Spiritual provisions, Eph. 6:4Spiritual provisions, Eph. 6:4 –Teach God’s word, Isa. 38:19; Prov. 4; Psa. 78:5-7 –Correction, Prov. 3:11-12 (Heb. 12:5-6) Emotional provisions, Col. 3:21Emotional provisions, Col. 3:21 Example and influence, Matt. 5:16Example and influence, Matt. 5:16

Protectors (Genesis 45:7-8) Physical harm, Matt. 7:9-10 (yet, Eccl. 9:2, 11)Physical harm, Matt. 7:9-10 (yet, Eccl. 9:2, 11) Spiritual danger, 1 Ths. 2:11-12Spiritual danger, 1 Ths. 2:11-12 Set the standard, Josh. 24:15Set the standard, Josh. 24:15 16

Two Fathers ABRAHAM ABRAHAM A father in whom God could trust, Gen. 18:19A father in whom God could trust, Gen. 18:19 ELI ELI A father who preferred his sons over God, 1 Sam. 2:17, , (3:13); Matt. 10:37A father who preferred his sons over God, 1 Sam. 2:17, , (3:13); Matt. 10:37 17

The Father Factor A father’s joy and reward 3 Jno. 4; Prov. 23:15-16 A father’s responsibility Eph. 6:4 18