This Fathers Day think of investing in the fathers of the future. The passing of time will likely bring whiskers and an interest in the opposite sex, but what does it take for a boy to grow up to be a man of character?  While one may find an occasional exception, boys grow into men of character because men of character invest in their lives.  

Sadly, we live in a generation where 43% of our boys are growing up without their fathers [US Department of Census].  Statistics show fatherless boys are twice as likely to drop out of high school; twice as likely to end up in jail; four times more likely to need help for emotional or behavioral problems.

With a growing shortage of fathers it is important that everyone in the faith community look for ways to facilitate a connection between developing boys and men of character. Boys and young men are in the process of defining their values.  Any hope of them adopting Biblical values will depend on these boys spending quality time in the company of men who understand and espouse those values.  

Without this connection boys are left to their peers and a self-focused culture to define their values.  As the current generation matures, the impact of this fatherless generation will be increasingly apparent.  Boys turning into men without a moral compass will become more prevalent. 

The church is uniquely poised to help boys navigate these cultural and spiritual waters on their journey to becoming a man of God.  Churches can make a difference in three areas.

1. Become a marriage-centered church.  Challenge men to be people of their word, stand by their commitments and treat their wife with honor and respect.  Boys need to see godly men in a wholesome relationship with their wife.  By helping men stand firm in their commitment to Christ and his spouse, the church is creating a recipe for success.  Boys watch godly fathers to learn how to behave when “I get all grown up.”  Healthy Christ-centered marriages become the bedrock for raising godly boys.  
2. Create environments where boys and men interact.  Christian men, whether they have their own children or not, can tune into boys when a dad is not present or simply as an additional voice to his father.  A cross-generational approach to events, missions outings, and other gatherings can have a profound impact on shaping the next generation of boys.  This takes careful planning and communication.  Men need to see the challenge and opportunity to shape the next generation.  Be intentional.
3. Allow boys to lead.  Something significant happens in the mind of a boy when a man trusts him with leadership.  Every boy, regardless of his age, should be taught and expected to handle a measure of leadership and responsibility.  Encourage men to work along side the boy as he is growing in leadership.  This is not to assign menial tasks under the guise of responsibility, it is a close connection designed to develop him to be a leader in his home, church and community.

Churches that strategically include these elements into their regular strategy of ministry to the next generation become beacons of hope for the homes in their community.

Boys become men of character in the company of men of character. 

Mark Entzminger is senior director for Assemblies of God Children’s Ministries in Springfield, Missouri. @MarkEntzminger

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