-     You will not find the word "fatherlessness" in a contemporary dictionary. The word does not exist in our language. It does, however, exist in reality, in the condition of many hearts. Most of our churches have many people, whether children, youth, or grown adults who suffer from "fatherlessness."

     I define "fatherlessness" as a condition of our lives brought on by the absence, abuse, neglect, or rejection of an earthly father, or father figure. National statistics compiled by our government agencies (not churches) have proven that the lack of a father's influence creates many problems in families. Many people, in our churches, suffer from father scars. They may  manifest themselves in emotional problems, troubled behavior, low self esteem, addictions, sickness, or hosts of other issues.

    As pastors, our churches can no longer neglect these issues. We must teach the wonderful truth of God's fatherhood to our people. We must find a way to get our men to model positive fatherhood traits, mentor the fatherless, and pray for a revival of a father's heart .

     “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah   before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.   ⁶ He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,   and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike   the land with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6