The State of Fatherhood

Recent studies into fatherhood highlight three big challenges men are navigating today:

1. Mental health and wellbeing
2. Chronic disease and preventable risks
3. Work–care conflict and cultural expectations

Before I go further, let me pause. Ladies, you have your struggles too. As the son of a mother, the husband of a wife, and the father of two daughters, I would never claim men have it harder. This is not about comparison — it’s about recognition.

On Father’s Day, it’s worth naming some of the unique pressures men carry. Not to compete with women’s challenges, but to highlight the work we as men must do if we are to be fathers, brothers, and husbands who champion the next generation.

John, the Disciple Jesus LovedTo bring perspective, let’s look to John — the disciple Jesus loved. John outlived the other apostles, and in his later years tradition says he was carried into gatherings of the early church. When people leaned in to hear his wisdom, he kept repeating the same simple phrase: “Little children, love one another.”

Why love? Because that’s what shaped John most. He had heard the Father say of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love.” He had written, “For God so loved the world…” And in his letter he summed it up like this:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

John’s legacy was love received and love passed on.

What This Means for FathersJohn’s words give us a framework for modern fatherhood:

• Show up — your kids don’t need perfection, just presence.
• Work on yourself — what you cultivate in your health and habits is what your children will inherit.
• Ground yourself in God’s love — before you are a father, you are a son, deeply loved by your Heavenly Father.

Every Dad Leaves a LegacyEvery dad leaves a legacy. John’s was love. Ours can be too.

So here’s the question this Father’s Day: Will you take up John’s call — to love not just in words, but in action and in truth, and to hand down a legacy of love that lasts to the next generation?
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That’s not just good fatherhood — that’s gospel fatherhood.