By Urban Light Ministries • Published April 2026 • Nominations close May 29, 2026
You know a good dad. Maybe he’s your father, your husband, your neighbor, or a grandfather who never missed a single game. He didn’t seek applause. He just showed up — day after day, year after year — because that’s what good fathers do.
Now it’s your turn to honor him.
Urban Light Ministries is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Good Dad Award™ — a free, national fatherhood recognition program that celebrates the fathers and father figures who make our families and communities stronger. Nominations close Friday, May 29, 2026.
🏅 Nominate a Dad Today — It’s Free
Anyone can nominate a father or father figure in just a few minutes at urbanlight.org/good-dad-award. Nominations are completely free and open to fathers everywhere.
⏰ Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026
What Is the Good Dad Award™?
The Good Dad Award™ is an annual fatherhood recognition program founded and administered by Urban Light Ministries (ULM), a nonprofit organization based in Clark County, Ohio. What began in 2011 as a local fatherhood honor called “My Dad ROCKS” has grown over more than a decade into a national program reaching fathers and father figures across the United States and beyond.
The mission is straightforward: raise awareness of the critical role fathers play in children’s lives, counter negative cultural narratives about fatherhood, and give families a meaningful, lasting way to say “thank you” to the dads who make a difference.
“With father absence being a global crisis, we take seriously our responsibility to go ‘into all the world.’”
— Eli Williams, Founder and President, Urban Light Ministries
Who Can Be Nominated for the Good Dad Award?
The Good Dad Award™ celebrates fathers of all backgrounds and family structures. Eligible nominees include:
Biological fathers
Adoptive fathers
Stepfathers
Foster fathers
Grandfathers raising grandchildren
Uncles serving as father figures
Mentors, coaches, and community leaders who play a fatherly role in children’s lives
The Good Dad Award recognizes nominees who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Demonstrates an outstanding commitment to raising his children
Is an exemplary father and role model
Has triumphed over adversity as a father, inspiring others
Contributes to the development and well-being of children in the community
Provides significant leadership and inspiration to other fathers
Character matters. Nominees should be free from issues involving drug or alcohol abuse, child abuse, or other conduct that would undermine the integrity of the award.
How to Nominate a Father for the Good Dad Award 2026
Nominating a father is simple, meaningful, and completely free. Here’s how it works:
Describe what makes this father special. You don’t need to be his child to nominate him — any person who has witnessed his commitment to fatherhood and can speak to his character may submit a nomination.
Step 3: Submit Before May 29, 2026
All nominations for Father’s Day recognition must be received by Friday, May 29, 2026. Winners receive an official Good Dad Award – Father’s Day Certificate, presented in time for Father’s Day.
Important rules to remember:
A father may not nominate himself.
A father can be nominated multiple times by different individuals.
Nominations submitted outside the annual window receive a Good Dad Honorary Certificate recognizing his contributions.
Why This Award Matters: The Fatherhood Crisis in America
Father absence is one of the most significant social challenges facing families today. Research consistently links father involvement to better educational outcomes, lower rates of poverty, improved emotional health for children, and stronger communities overall.
Yet popular culture often portrays fathers as absent, incompetent, or irrelevant. The Good Dad Award™ exists as a direct and powerful counter-narrative.
“It’s a way to counter the negative images of fathers that are so pervasive in entertainment. It’s a way to assist others in obeying the biblical command to honor fathers.”
— Eli Williams, Urban Light Ministries
When you nominate a father, you’re not just giving him a certificate. You’re telling him — and the world — that his presence matters. That his sacrifice is seen. That fatherhood is worth celebrating.
A Decade of Honoring Great Dads
Urban Light Ministries has been recognizing great fathers since 2011. What started as a local award in Clark County, Ohio — first called “My Dad ROCKS,” then the Clark County Community Fatherhood Awards — has grown into a fully national program.
In 2020, a record 23 fathers received the award in Clark County alone. Since expanding nationally with online nominations, fathers from across the country have been honored. Each year, recipients are celebrated at ULM’s annual Juneteenth/FatherFest event in Springfield, Ohio, and fathers everywhere receive their recognition via a personalized digital certificate and congratulatory letter.
The Good Dad Award is more than a certificate. It’s a movement.
Urban Light Ministries: Supporting Fathers and Families
The Good Dad Award™ is one part of Urban Light Ministries’ broader commitment to strengthening fatherhood. ULM offers a comprehensive set of free resources for fathers, including:
POPS 101 – A free online introduction to healthy fatherhood, available in English and Spanish at urbanlight.org
A workshop series on The Family Shepherd and Fathering Strong
A downloadable dads devotional for faith-based spiritual growth
The book and study guide “Father Love: The Powerful Resource Every Dad Needs” by Eli Williams
Fatherhood workshops and courses available to churches, organizations, and conferences
Learn more about ULM’s fatherhood resources at urbanlight.org.
Don’t Let the Deadline Pass — Nominate a Great Dad Today
Father’s Day comes every year, but the chance to officially honor the father in your life with the 2026 Good Dad Award™ closes on Friday, May 29, 2026. Nominations take just a few minutes and are completely free.
Think of the dad who was there at every recital, every hard conversation, every early morning and late night. Think of the grandfather who stepped in. The stepfather who stayed. The uncle who showed up when no one else did.
He deserves to be honored. You can make that happen.
Nominations close Friday, May 29, 2026 | Free | Open to all fathers everywhere
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to nominate someone for the Good Dad Award?
No. Nominations are completely free. There is no cost to nominate or to receive the award.
Can I nominate someone who is not my father?
Yes. You do not need to be the child of the nominee. Anyone who has a genuine association with the father and can speak to his character and contributions may submit a nomination.
What does a Good Dad Award winner receive?
Award winners receive a free, personalized, printable Father’s Day certificate and a congratulatory letter delivered via email. For local Clark County, Ohio recipients, a public awards presentation is held annually at the Springfield Juneteenth/FatherFest event.
What is the nomination deadline for the 2026 Good Dad Award?
The 2026 nomination window closes on Friday, May 29, 2026. Nominations received outside this window are still recognized with a Good Dad Honorary Certificate year-round.
Can the same father be nominated by multiple people?
Yes. A father can be identified by multiple nominators. Each submission is a separate act of recognition, and all nominees are reviewed by the Good Dad Award committee.
Who sponsors the Good Dad Award?
The Good Dad Award™ is sponsored by Urban Light Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Springfield, Ohio. ULM’s mission includes promoting healthy fatherhood, strengthening families, and building communities through faith-based programs and resources. Learn more at urbanlight.org.
Tags: Good Dad Award, Good Dad Award 2026, nominate a father, fatherhood award, Urban Light Ministries, Father’s Day award, honor a dad, father recognition program, fatherhood, ULM
By Urban Light Ministries • Published April 2026 • Nominations close May 29, 2026 You know a good dad. Maybe he’s your father, your husband, your neighbor, or a grandfather who never missed a single game. He didn’t seek applause. He just showed...
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Fathers are called to the essential ministry of shepherding their families. This role requires mirroring the protective, sacrificial, and guiding love exemplified by God (the Great Shepherd), Jesus (the Good/Chief Shepherd), and spiritual leaders (the under-shepherds).
The essence of a father’s shepherding is built upon four non-negotiable duties.
1. Provision and Sustenance: Creating the Green Pastures
The shepherd ensures the flock lacks nothing, leading them to environments that promote life and rest (Psalm 23:1-2). A father’s provision extends far beyond financial means; it is about creating a stable, nurtured life.[i]
Physical Provision: This is the baseline duty: working diligently to provide food, shelter, and material security for the family.
Spiritual Sustenance (Still Waters): Just as God guides us to life-giving truth, the father must be the primary source of spiritual nourishment. This means leading the family in prayer, reading and discussing Scripture, and modeling genuine faith, leading them beside the “still waters” of truth and peace (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Emotional Provision (Green Pastures): The shepherd creates a place of rest where the sheep can lie down safely and securely. A father’s duty is to ensure the home is a haven of peace and stability—a Green Pasture free from chaos, fear, and hostility. His commitment to loving his wife (Ephesians 5:25) is the foundation of this security for the children.
2. Protection and Sacrifice: The Rod Against the Wolf
Jesus established the highest standard by being the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). A father’s love must be sacrificial, placing the family’s security above his own comfort.
Sacrificial Presence: Protection begins not with a grand act, but with the daily sacrifice of time and attention. Shepherding is not delegation; it is presence. A father lays down his life by giving up personal pursuits to be present, engaged, and focused on his children.
Guarding Against the Wolves: A father serves as the spiritual gatekeeper and defender (The Rod). This requires active vigilance, not passive observation, against the “wolves” that threaten a child’s innocence and future:
Harmful media and online predators (pornography and other destructive content).
Destructive peer influence and cultural pressures.
Addictive or ruinous habits (gambling, substance abuse, etc).
Shepherding in Crisis (The Valley): The most profound comfort of Psalm 23 is knowing the Shepherd is present in the “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). A father must be the family’s rock through loss, fear, and suffering, modeling resilience and directing the family’s hope toward God.
3. Guidance and Correction: The Staff of Wisdom
Pastors are called to shepherd (the verb) by leading the flock, modeling faith, and restoring those who have strayed. In much the same way, a father is the children’s primary shepherd, reflecting the guidance of Christ.
Leading by Example (The Path): The shepherd walks ahead of the flock, and the sheep follow. A father’s personal integrity and humility are the most potent forms of guidance. His children are watching his work ethic, his treatment of his wife, and his own devotion to God—this is the path they will follow (1 Peter 5:3).
Intimate Knowledge and Accountability: Just as Jesus knows His sheep by name, a father must know his children intimately—their struggles, their gifts, and their “spiritual temperature” (John 10:14). This intimate knowledge is essential for effective guidance.
Redemptive Correction (The Staff): The shepherd uses the hook of his staff to pull a straying sheep back to safety; he does not use it to beat them. A father’s correction must be redemptive, aimed at restoring the child to the right path (Proverbs 29:15). This loving correction establishes clear boundaries—the Comfort of the Rod and Staff—which are an expression of care and security, not anger.
Seeking the Lost: If a child strays, the father must actively pursue, call, and restore that child, demonstrating the unconditional love of God the Father while patiently seeking their return and repentance.
The earthly father, in his role as a spiritual shepherd to his family, derives his authority and capacity solely from his submission to the Triune God. To lead his family effectively, his own life must be one of discipleship and humility under authority.
4. The Father Must Follow Christ
The father’s leadership must be a faithful reflection of Christ, the Good Shepherd. He cannot guide his family where he is unwilling to walk himself. His primary duty is to model genuine discipleship, defined by submission to the Lord. His moral authority is validated by the humility of his own obedience, allowing him to authentically echo the Apostle’s instruction: “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
The Father Must Yield to the Leading of the Holy Spirit
A godly father must first be a follower, ensuring his decisions and direction for his children are rooted in divine wisdom, not personal impulse. By actively yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit, he secures the internal guidance necessary to maintain the “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3), correcting with grace and teaching with spiritual authority.
The Father Must Submit to Appointed Church Leadership
The father must model for his family the importance of submission to spiritual covering as he submits to the human “under-shepherds” God has given to the Church — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (shepherds), and teachers.[ii] A father’s willingsubmission to his spiritual leaders demonstrates the principle of spiritual accountability. It secures a vital layer of support and oversight for his family’s spiritual well-being. This leadership was established by God to “keep watch over your souls, as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17), ensuring the father and his family remain securely in the broader fold of God’s people.
Leading to the Chief Shepherd
A father is an imperfect, temporary under-shepherd. His entire ministry is measured by how effectively he leads his family to the one source of perfect provision and eternal security: Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
His goal is not to keep the sheep for himself, but to ultimately guide them to the feet of the Great Shepherd who will welcome them into the eternal Father’s house.
🐑 Your Next Step: Leading to the Chief Shepherd
You are an under-shepherd, called to reflect the protective, sacrificial, and guiding love of Christ. The authority for this vital ministry is rooted not in your strength, but in your submission to the Triune God.
Now that you have considered the four non-negotiable duties of Provision, Protection, Guidance, and Following Christ, the challenge is to move from understanding to doing.
🛠️ Commit to Action: The Shepherd’s Assessment
Personal Inventory: Take a moment for honest reflection. Using the four duties discussed, identify one area where you know you are consistently leading well, and one specific area where the Holy Spirit is prompting you to strengthen your shepherding this week.
Guard the Gate: We talked about the “wolves” that threaten the innocence and future of your family (media, destructive content, etc.). What is the single greatest “wolf” currently threatening your home? Decide on one concrete action you will take today to better stand guard.
Model Submission: Your leadership is validated by your humility. Who is your spiritual covering? Send this post to another father or spiritual leader you trust and commit to discussing how you can better submit to the guidance of the spiritual under-shepherds God has placed over the Church (Hebrews 13:17).
Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest takeaway from this series? Share your reflections or the challenge you’re committing to in the comments below. Let’s stand together as fathers committed to guiding our families to the only source of perfect provision and eternal security: Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd.
For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my newly revised and updated Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations and communities. The hardbound version was published on October 13, 2025 and is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Obtain the Kindle version here: https://a.co/d/0HJS8QY
Your financial contributions allow us to serve fathers at no cost. Please consider donating.
Fathering Strong is powered by Urban Light Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 in Springfield, Ohio. Our mission is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to the Heavenly Father. Go to www.fatheringstrong.com to donate. To learn more about Urban Light Ministries’ history, work, and mission, explore www.urbanlight.org.
[i] Chifamba, E. (2014). A Strategy to Train Local Church Elders for Effective Assimilation and Nurture of New Converts. https://doi.org/10.32597/dmin/262/
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Why These Books Matter:
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Together, these books offer a complete roadmap for intentional, impactful fatherhood.
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Because strong fathers build strong families. And strong families change the world.
The role of a father has never been more critical, nor, perhaps, more confusing. In a culture saturated with distractions and conflicting voices, the spiritual leadership of men in the home is often the last domino to fall. Recent research reveals the shocking truth that fatherhood – even in the Church – is in crisis.
The Manhood Journey’s comprehensive State of Biblical Fatherhood Report[i], based on assessments from thousands of Christian dads, reveals a profound gap between the faith we profess and the faith we practice in our own homes. The data is clear: a vast majority of fathers have outsourced their primary responsibility.
The report highlights that 78 percent of Christian fathers do not regularly read or discuss Scripture with their children, and 83 percent do not pray with their families outside of mealtimes or bedtimes. Even more starkly, only 26 percent report spending intentional time helping their children grow in Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity.
These aren’t numbers about simple disengagement; they point to a discipleship crisis at the very heart of the Christian family. If the next generation is to know and follow Christ, the responsibility lies squarely with the man in the home. He must become the leader his family needs. We, fathers can learn a lot about servant leadership from the life and work of shepherds.
Lessons from the Lowly Shepherd
When my wife and I visited the Holy Land, a simple sight brought a lifetime of Scripture into sharp focus: shepherds, distant figures in the rolling hills, faithfully guiding their flocks. It was a tangible image that instantly connected me to King David, who bravely defended his sheep, and to the shepherds outside Bethlehem, who were the first to hear the news of the Messiah’s arrival.
The shepherd is one of the most enduring and beloved metaphors in the Bible—it is the language of God Himself. Scripture is replete with allusions to the Heavenly Father as the Great Shepherd of His ancient people and Jesus Christ as the ultimate Good Shepherd. If spiritual leaders of the church are called pastors (meaning “shepherds”), how much more must the father, as the spiritual head of his home, embody this role?
Shepherding, at its core, sets forth the biblical model for Christian fatherhood: gentle, faithful, courageous, and sacrificial servant leadership.
Why Shepherds are Necessary
Sheep possess virtually no natural defenses or survival instincts, meaning their very existence hinges on the competence, diligence, and presence of their caregiver.
The profoundly dependent and vulnerable nature of sheep fundamentally illustrates the vital importance of a good shepherd by creating a relationship of absolute necessity.
Here is how their nature underscores the shepherd’s importance:
The Sheep’s Vulnerabilities (The “Why”)
Sheep are uniquely ill-equipped to survive on their own, highlighting the indispensable role of the shepherd in four key areas:
Helplessness Against Predators
Sheep are defenseless. They have no powerful claws, sharp teeth, or speed to outrun major predators like wolves, bears, or lions. When threatened, their instinct is often to scatter or freeze, making them easy targets.
Shepherd’s Role: The shepherd is the sole protector and warrior. He must be courageous, equipped with a rod and staff (weapons), and willing to risk his life to fend off attacks, embodying the Good Shepherd who lays down his life (John 10:11).
Inability to Find Sustenance
Sheep lack the instinct and intelligence to consistently find and choose safe food and water. They will graze until they are malnourished on poor grass or drink from running water, which terrifies them, often leading to illness or death.
Shepherd’s Role: The shepherd is the provider and guide. He must know the terrain to lead them to “green pastures” and “still waters” (Psalm 23:2). This highlights the shepherd’s wisdom and knowledge as essential for the flock’s health and sustenance.
Lack of Self-Correction (Prone to Straying)
Sheep are notorious for wandering off the path, not out of malice or rebellion, but simply due to distraction. Once lost, a sheep often panics and cannot find its way back. Furthermore, if they fall on their backs (a condition known as “being cast”), they cannot right themselves and will die if not rescued.
Shepherd’s Role: The shepherd is the attentive restorer. He must be vigilant in his counting and searching, using the staff to hook and guide straying animals gently. This demonstrates the necessity of personal, proactive intervention to save the helpless, emphasizing that guidance is an act of rescue.
Overwhelming Fear and Panic
Sheep are naturally fearful and require a constant sense of security to thrive. They won’t even lie down to rest unless they feel completely safe.
Shepherd’s Role: The shepherd is the source of security and comfort. His voice calms them, and his physical presence eliminates their anxiety. The promise, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4), encapsulates the idea that the shepherd’s presence alone is the key to the sheep’s peace.
In summary, the sheep’s total vulnerability means the shepherd is not merely a caretaker but the source of their life, safety, and direction. The fragility of the flock makes the shepherd’s diligence and character the most critical factor in their survival.
A Day in the Life of a Middle Eastern Shepherd
The life of the biblical shepherd was not one of leisure, far from it. It was marked by constant vigilance, long hours, and personal risk. It was an endless watch. The shepherd was not a driver who walked behind the flock, for sheep were not pushed like cattle. The shepherd was a leader who walked before them, always in sight. Sheep are too short to see the pasture ahead, so they rely on the shepherd to guide them. That’s literal servant leadership.
Sunrise: The Call to Lead
The shepherd’s day begins before the sun rises, following the rhythm of nature, not a clock.
The Shepherd’s Voice: The shepherd leads the sheep out of the safety of the fold (a stone enclosure or cave). He doesn’t need to push or drive them; he simply calls out with a unique, familiar sound, and his sheep follow him (John 10:3–4). They know his voice and trust his direction.
The Path Chosen: The shepherd’s first task is to select the day’s route, carefully choosing paths that offer both safety and sustenance. This requires deep knowledge of the land, weather, and potential dangers. He walks ahead, determining every step the flock will take.
Midday: Provision and Nurture
The daylight hours are spent actively fulfilling the duties of provision and care.
Seeking Green Pastures: The shepherd guides the flock to grazing lands, ensuring the grass is of good quality to keep the sheep healthy. He makes them lie down in the pastures, often because they will not rest unless they are completely secure.
Leading to Still Waters: Sheep are terrified of fast-moving, running water. The shepherd must lead them to quiet, slow-moving pools or draw water for them from a well to ensure they drink and are refreshed. This requires patience and gentleness.
Attending the Vulnerable: The shepherd constantly checks the flock for injury or disease. He pays special attention to the lambs and nursing mothers, often carrying the weakest lambs close to his chest or in his arms to protect them from the arduous journey (Isaiah 40:11).
Evening: The Accountability
As the heat subsides and evening approaches, the risk increases, demanding focused attention for the journey home.
The Journey Back: The shepherd guides the tired flock back to the temporary or permanent sheepfold. This path is often dangerous as predators begin to stir.
Counting Under the Rod: At the entrance of the fold, the shepherd stands, and as each sheep passes through the narrow opening, he counts them one by one, often using his rod to gently touch and inspect each animal (Leviticus 27:32). This is the moment of accountability—ensuring that none are missing or injured.
Treating Wounds: Any sheep that is wounded, sick, or exhausted is tended to immediately upon entering the safety of the fold.
Night: Sacrificial Watch
The night brings the most significant risk and demands the shepherd’s ultimate commitment.
The Gatekeeper: In a simple sheepfold (often a stone circle or cave), there is no literal wooden gate. The shepherd often lies down across the narrow entrance, becoming the living gate himself (a literal act of self-sacrifice, echoing John 10:7, 9).
Protection at Personal Risk: Throughout the dark hours, the shepherd stays awake, on guard against predators (wolves, bears, lions) and human thieves. It is a lonely, cold, and dangerous shift that requires courage, vigilance, and a readiness to fight—just as young David fought a lion and a bear for his flock (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
Long-Term Dedication: The shepherd’s job is often a migratory one, leading him away from home for weeks or months. It is an occupation of solitude and ceaseless dedication to the welfare of the flock, as their dependency is absolute.
The Human Father’s Parallel:
The life of the shepherd is a profound picture of selfless, 24/7 care. The father, like a shepherd, is constantly on call, not driving his family, but lovingly leading, providing for, and protecting them, knowing that their survival and flourishing depend on his intimate knowledge, courage, and faithful vigilance.
In the forthcoming installments of The Fathering Strong Blog, we will survey what the Bible reveals about shepherds, the standard set for human fathers by Almighty God as the Divine Shepherd, and the example of congregational shepherds.
Instructions from the Holy Scriptures
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. – John10:11 NIV
Jesus declare Himself the Good Shepherd. He is the protector, provider, nurturer, and guide of His flock, willing to give His all for them. From Him, fathers learn what it means to render gentle, faithful, courageous, and sacrificial servant leadership as family shepherds.
For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my newly revised and updated Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations and communities. The hardbound version was published on October 13, 2025 and is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Obtain the Kindle version here: https://a.co/d/0HJS8QY
Recently, a colleague at a nearby Pregnancy Resource Clinic investigated the responses of 100 of their most recent client fathers regarding their greatest needs. With the assistance of AI, I analyzed their responses and found the following:
Based on the list, the five greatest needs of those fathers are:
Financial Stability & Employment: Many fathers expressed a need for a better-paying job, job security, and overall financial stability to support their family. This includes saving money and having the means to provide for a growing family’s needs like housing, food, and baby supplies.
Housing: A significant number of fathers listed housing as a critical need, mentioning the desire for a stable home, a bigger house, or simply a place they can call their own. This reflects a fundamental need for a safe and secure environment for their family.
Parenting Knowledge & Skills: Many fathers want to learn how to be the “best dad they can be.” This includes seeking advice on fatherhood, parenting skills, and understanding their role in a child’s life.
Partner & Child’s Health: Fathers are deeply concerned about the well-being of their partner and baby. Their needs include ensuring the mother and baby are healthy, getting regular doctor check-ups, and knowing how to support their partner during and after pregnancy.
Personal Well-being: This category includes a desire for self-improvement and mental health support. Fathers mentioned needing to be a better version of themselves, improving their physical health, managing stress, and dealing with personal issues like sobriety and mental health.
Analysis of Needs
The responses from the 100 fathers reveal a clear hierarchy of concerns, with tangible, immediate needs at the top. The most frequently mentioned needs fall into five core categories. These needs are not isolated but are interconnected. For example, a better job (financial stability) directly impacts the ability to secure better housing. Similarly, personal well-being, such as managing stress and self-improvement, impacts a father’s ability to be a supportive partner and a good role model.
The breakdown of the needs is as follows:
Financial Stability & Employment (38 mentions): This was the most prevalent theme. Fathers repeatedly mentioned needing a job, a better-paying job, or overall financial security. Examples include: “Finances,” “Job,” “Better paying job,” and “To make sure I’m financially stable.” This demonstrates that providing for their family is a primary concern for most fathers.
Housing (21 mentions): Housing was the second most common need. Fathers expressed a clear desire for a stable, permanent home for their family. This includes mentions of “Housing,” “House of our own,” “Bigger House,” and “Getting a place.”
Parenting Knowledge & Skills (17 mentions): This category highlights a strong desire to be an involved and effective parent. Fathers asked for “Parenting Advice,” “Fatherhood Counseling,” and a desire to “Learn how to be the best father I can be.”
Partner & Child’s Health (11 mentions): A significant number of fathers were focused on the health and safety of their loved ones. Mentions included “Healthy Baby,” “Making sure my Child’s mom is healthy,” and “Knowing for sure if she is pregnant and the steps afterward.”
Personal Well-being (8 mentions): This category, while less frequent, is still important. It reflects the internal struggles and goals of the fathers themselves, such as “Stay Sober,” “Mental Health,” “Become more motivated to work out,” and “Working Hard.”
The remaining needs, such as “Transportation,” “Legal Status,” and “Relationship Issues,” were mentioned less frequently and were often tied to the larger five categories. For instance, a lack of transportation can be a barrier to securing a job and housing. The distillation of this list into the top five “Greatest Needs” provides a clear picture of the primary challenges and concerns facing new fathers.
My next question was, how do these responses compare to national trends. Here is what I discovered:
The distilled needs from the survey of 100 fathers align very closely with the findings of national surveys and research on modern fatherhood. The core themes are remarkably consistent, showing that the challenges faced by this group of fathers are not unique but are part of a broader national trend.
Comparison to National Surveys
Financial Stability & Employment: This was the top need in the local survey, and it is consistently highlighted as a major concern for fathers in national studies. Research from organizations like the Pew Research Center and the National Fatherhood Initiative shows that being a “breadwinner” is still a primary role that many men feel pressured to fulfill. Studies from 2024 and 2025 specifically point to the “cost of living crisis” as a significant source of financial pressure, which in turn impacts their mental health and family relationships.
Housing: While not always listed as a standalone category in national surveys, the need for housing is an integral part of the broader themes of financial stability and providing for the family. The desire for a bigger or more stable home is a direct consequence of a father’s role as a provider, and it’s a concern that underlies many of the financial anxieties mentioned in national reports.
Parenting Knowledge & Skills: My analysis of the local PRC survey’s finding that fathers want to “learn how to be the best father I can be” is strongly supported by national data. Research indicates that modern fathers are increasingly involved in hands-on care and desire information on parenting skills, child development, and how to be a supportive partner. This reflects a shift away from the traditional role of just being a provider to being a nurturing and emotionally present parent.
Partner & Child’s Health: This need is also a significant point of comparison. National reports, such as a 2025 study on “Expectant and new fathers,” show that fathers are deeply concerned with their baby’s development and their partner’s physical and mental well-being. This concern is so prevalent that some public health initiatives are now developing tools like the “Pregnancy Risk Assessment System for Dads” (PRAMS for Dads) to better monitor and support fathers’ health during this transition.
Personal Well-being: Our finding on fathers’ needs for mental and physical health is a critical and growing area of focus in national research. Surveys from 2024 and 2025 reveal that a significant number of dads are struggling with their mental health, often due to work-life balance issues and financial stress. The prevalence of paternal postpartum depression and anxiety is gaining recognition, with a key challenge being the stigma that prevents many men from seeking help. The need for personal improvement and self-care is a direct response to these stressors.
In summary, the needs of the 100 local fathers surveyed are not outliers. They reflect the major anxieties and aspirations of fathers across the United States. The desire to provide, the need for a stable home, the yearning for effective parenting skills, and the quiet struggle with personal well-being are all consistent and widely documented challenges for modern fatherhood.
Meeting The Needs of Fathers
It is important to point out that the stated hierarchy of needs of these fathers are unselfishly focused on the needs of their families, and not on their personal well-being only. They accept responsibility for their child and the mother and are looking for help to fulfill those duties. It is only right that everything possible is done to support them.
The survey findings affirm the importance of the work of professional Fatherhood Practitioners and their agencies as they strive to identify the needs of the fathers they serve. But they cannot do it alone. It must be “all hands on deck.” The wellbeing of children is at stake.
Nearly 60% of the fathers surveyed have financial stability/employment concerns, and housing needs. Almost 20% have family and personal health needs. To address those anxieties, partnerships, collaborations, and referral relationships with government agencies, private social service entities, healthcare services and other programs in the community are required. Unless it is part of a very large community agency that has most of those services in-house, partnerships are crucial to enabling fatherhood specialists to adequately serve fathers and families by connecting them to resources in their communities.
It is as those basic needs are being addressed that father-focused parent education and skill development programs can be most effective. The mobilization of multiple sectors in the community is recommended to address the needs of fathers and families. Housing, finance/banking, social/human service, healthcare, education, philanthropy, judicial, legal, and other sectors are needed at the table to meet the needs of fathers of school aged children and their parenting partners. I will devote a future blog posts to community mobilization, and the special needs of noncustodial fathers.
Inspiration from the Holy Scriptures
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. – 1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV
It is expected of a father to provide for his family. God has put the instinct within us to want to make sure that our children and wives are safe, and have their needs met. Beyond our immediate families, Christians are also required to also provide for relatives who are vulnerable or unable to provide for themselves, such as elderly or widowed family members. Failure to do so demonstrates a denial of Christian love and care, making one “worse than an unbeliever” because it contradicts the core principles of faith and love that even non-believers often practice.
The community helps itself when struggling fathers are supported as they endeavor to live up to their God-given role of being POPS (protector, order keeper, provider, and stabilizer).
For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my book Father Love: The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. https://www.amazon.com/Father-Love-Eli-Williams/dp/1498471188
Very soon, I will be announcing the second edition of this 2016 publication. In it, the research on fatherhood and fatherlessness is updated. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations and communities.
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Fathering Strong is powered by Urban Light Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 in Springfield, Ohio. Our mission is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to the Heavenly Father. Go to www.fatheringstrong.com to donate. To learn more about Urban Light Ministries’ history, work, and mission, explore www.urbanlight.org.
