Going Beyond the Pulpit to Reach the Fatherless and Single Moms
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
I find it quite compelling that the first words in the Great Commission are “Therefore go,” meaning we are to go forth—outside of our comfort zones, beyond our churches and homes—to reach others with the Gospel. If we aren’t finding these “orphans and widows” in our congregations, we must go beyond the pulpit to reach them.
1. Outreach Service-Oriented Efforts
Oftentimes, when we use the term “missions,” we think of international ministry efforts involving humanitarian labor paired with the Gospel message. Reaching our local communities revolves around the same concept—meeting needs in order to reach hearts. This is exactly what Jesus did.
According to a report on fatherlessness by the American First Policy Institute, “fatherless families are four times more likely to raise children in poverty,” meaning that the vast majority of fatherless homes have physical and financial needs that are rarely met. We can help meet those needs, as both leaders in the church itself, organizing missional efforts in underprivileged neighborhoods and in single-parent homes—and as a primary encouragement to healthy families within our congregations to minister to these mothers and children through provision of goods, financial support, prayer and regular check-ins.
Visiting your local government housing district to bring moms washing detergent, food or back-to-school clothing for their kids is not glamorous, but it is needed. It is certainly the first step in showing a family with abandonment wounds that they are seen, loved and valued by the Lord.
2. Mentorship and Biblical Care
As physical needs are met, the door is opened to extend the love of Christ to others through quality time, wisdom, and the powerful impact of a caring church. However, the fatherless need their soul healed from the hurt and trauma of a broken family.
Defending the cause of the fatherless is no small feat. It is a great, life-changing responsibility—both in our lives and in theirs. How do we do it? As leaders of the church, we must begin by setting the example—beginning with intentional outreach to this forgotten and overlooked group of individuals. Single moms are now the largest unchurch people group in America.
In doing this, church leaders set the standard for men in the congregation and affirm them in this effort to think outside of themselves. By teaching fatherless boys the way in which they should go, these brave men are ultimately changing the trajectory of their lives for Christ, raising up a new generation of redeemed, godly men.
“These commandments that I give you today are to upon 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” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Shifting the Culture
Shifting the culture of society is an act that can only be done by God through the Church, Christ’s Bride. However, the Church must lead the way and answer this call, compelling men to step into godly masculinity, with accountability, boldness, truth and love. This is the only way we will impact our communities, our nation and the next generation of pastors, providers and protectors.
