At the core of every strong family lies a father who leads, not just by presence, but by example, faith, and intentional devotion. The LightOlam Center applauds the work of the Manhood Journey through its 2025 report on the State of Biblical Fatherhood. The LightOlam Center celebrates this work because it aligns with our values of advancing and advocating for biblical family life and the immense benefits that it holds for our societies. The 2025 report on the state of Biblical Fatherhood was based on 6,000 Christian dads, and it raises both concern and hope for spiritual leadership in the home.
Here are some key highlights as presented by the report:
- Quiet Spiritual Crisis at Home
Consider these courageously honest statistics:
- 83% of fathers do not regularly pray with their families.
- 78% rarely engage in Scripture with their children.
- 80% have no spiritual accountability circle.
- Around 38% do not actively serve in their church.
These truths may sound stark, but they reflect a deeper opportunity: to rediscover and live out what it means to lead spiritually.
- Defining Biblical Fatherhood
Being a loving and present dad, coaching little league, attending events is wonderful. Yet, biblical fatherhood calls for something deeper: deliberately shaping hearts and souls for eternity. It’s about being the first spiritual teacher, guide, and example for our children.
- Seven Pillars of Spiritual Leadership
This report identifies seven foundational traits of faithful fathers:
- Trusting God
Many fathers feel unsure about following God’s direction; approximately 25% express ongoing anxiety. - Knowing Scripture
About 42% of dads read the Bible only occasionally and rarely share it with their children. - Praying Fervently
Less than 17% pray regularly as a family a key spiritual lifeline. - Building Relationships
Nearly 80% lack spiritually intimate friendships, and just 13% are discipled by peers. - Serving Others
Around 38% are inactive in church service, often viewing ministry as an obligation. - Stewarding Resources
One-third rarely give financially, and nearly half describe their lives as excessively rushed. - Making Disciples
Only about 26% intentionally disciple their children, and fewer than 15% mentor other dads.
Ø Why it Matters
Scripture repeatedly entrusts spiritual formation to parents. From Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78 to Ephesians 6:4, the call is clear: fathers are spiritual shepherds. Yet without tools, vision, and support, many well-meaning dads feel ill-equipped and children end up relying on youth programs instead.
Ø Three‑Step Path Forward
Churches and faith communities have a vital role in supporting fathers through a simple, transformative strategy:
● Engage
Create spaces where fathers are welcomed not just seen. Build relationships through honest conversation, small gatherings, mentoring, and testimony-sharing.
● Equip
Provide practical, family-friendly tools, short workshops, devotionals, prayer prompts, and scripture cards, to help dads lead spiritually. Embed fatherhood into sermon series, groups, and digital content.
● Empower
Actively affirm fathers as spiritual leaders. Commission them publicly, encourage accountability networks, invite them into leadership, and celebrate their progress.
Ø Gentle Call to Fathers and the Church
To Fathers:
You’re not alone. Even small, consistent steps, like a daily bedtime prayer or sharing one verse over dinner, can leave a legacy of faith.
To Church Leaders & Ministry Teams:
Investing in dads isn’t extra, it’s foundational. When fathers are rooted in Scripture, prayer, community, and service, homes become seeds of lasting spiritual fruit.
When fathers are spiritually equipped, families and communities flourish in every season.
Let this report be an invitation: to slow down, to reflect, to step forward with intentionality. May each father here be encouraged to lead faithfully, confident that his influence shapes eternity.
Let the journey begin.