Raising Up Fathers in the Church and Community
By Brandon Williams, VP of Marketing
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the fathers who have guided and supported us throughout our lives. But as we take time to appreciate dads, let’s also use this day to encourage those who may not have a father present in their lives. God’s love is so deep and intentional that He ensures we are provided with everything we need to reach the destiny He has planned for us—even if that means sending father figures along the way.
I know this to be true because I experienced it firsthand. My father was in and out of my life for about five years and did not believe in God. While my mother did her best to instill Christian values in me, God also placed father figures along my path—men who not only taught me valuable life lessons but also ultimately led me to Jesus.
The Neighbor – Mr. Charlie
Mr. Charlie was my next-door neighbor, and my mom initially hired him to fix our tub drain. Instead of simply doing the job, he took the time to teach me how to fix it myself so my mom wouldn’t have to hire someone for small repairs. For the next year or so, I spent time with Mr. Charlie, who taught me all about plumbing. It wasn’t just about fixing pipes—it was about equipping me with skills and responsibility.
Father of a Friend – Mr. Willie
One of my close friends, Aaron, lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his single father, Mr. Willie. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, wisdom tumbled out. Aaron developed a special bond with my mom, and in a way, we got to share our parents. I got to share my mother with Aaron, who shared his father with me. Through Mr. Willie, I saw an example of steadfast love and quiet strength.
The Teacher – Mr. C
In ninth grade, I had a teacher named Mr. C who wasn’t afraid to speak the truth, even when it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. As I was searching for answers about faith, he challenged my beliefs and, one day, invited me to a youth church service. That night, the sermon was titled "Can the Bible Be Trusted?"—a topic I had been wrestling with. That series continued for several weeks, and every Friday, I went with Mr. C. About six months later, I gave my life to Christ at a youth retreat, and my journey of faith truly began.
The Pastor – Pastor Buckner
My pastor, Pastor Buckner, played a pivotal role in my life. He taught me how to be a man of integrity, how to conduct myself in public, and how to lead with wisdom and humility. He also counseled my wife and me before our marriage, offering us guidance that helped lay the foundation for a strong and God-centered relationship. His investment in me extended beyond the pulpit—he was always there to support and mentor me.
The Stepfather – Pops
As I was graduating high school, my mother met a man who would later become my stepfather. He became the most consistent and steadfast father figure in my life. He showed me what it meant to work hard, be committed, and love unconditionally. He was a dedicated train conductor and a passionate musician, and through him, I saw the beauty of perseverance and honesty. To this day, when we are out together, people assume he’s my biological father—and in every way that matters, he is.
A Call to Pastors and Church Leaders
Pastors, when you preach powerful messages from the pulpit and lead the men in your congregations, you are equipping and strengthening those who may be father figures in someone else's life. There are boys and girls in your community who need mentors, wisdom, and guidance. There are young men in your church who need to be discipled so that they can, in turn, mentor others.
ne way to create a lasting impact is by launching a Community Development Corporation (CDC) within your church. A CDC allows your church to develop programs that support fatherless youth, mentor young men, and strengthen families.
Through a CDC, you can:
- Lead groups of men willing to step into father-figure roles and mentor young people in your community.
- Empower young people who may not have present fathers by providing them with structured programs, mentorship, and guidance.
- Establish high school mentorship programs where teenagers can be trained and encouraged to mentor their own peers.
By stepping into this space, you’re not just addressing a need—you’re being the hands and feet of Jesus. You’re creating opportunities for transformation, restoration, and growth.
This Father’s Day, let’s honor and celebrate dads, but let’s also encourage those who step in as father figures. Let’s remind every man in our congregation that God can use them to be the guiding hand in someone’s life, just as He used the men He placed in mine.