In previous posts I have focused on ministering to fatherless boys in our churches. But how do we reach unchurched fatherless boys? Here are some ideas.

Focus on Ministries that Naturally Draw Fatherless Boys to Your Church

One of the best ways to reach unchurched fatherless boys is to focus on ministries that draw the fatherless into churches. I'll start with the most obvious.

• Single moms ministries

New Commandment Men's Ministries has helped hundreds of churches across North America form teams of four men each who adopt widows, single moms, and their fatherless children. They donate two hours of service by working around their homes one Saturday morning a month, returning each month to the same home. In this way the teams develop a relational ministry with their care receivers, including their fatherless children.

• Unstuck Ministries (Formerly The Life of a Single Mom) sponsors support groups in churches across America, and provides an online “Single Mom University,” that covers a multitude of topics relevant to single moms. In order to make it easy for the single mothers to attend the group, the church provides child care for their fatherless children. Older children of these single moms are excellent mentor opportunities.

For examples of other single mom ministries, see my post, "Parachurch and Church-Based Single Moms Ministries"

• AWANA

AWANA is a popular children's parachurch ministry with a large focus on scripture memory. I have seen this ministry used as an effective outreach into the community for the following reason: it usually meets at the church for two hours on weekday evenings.

AWANA meeting on weekday evenings is significant because my observation has been that non-Christian parents, especially single moms, often use AWANA for free babysitting, resulting in a good percentage of fatherless children attending.

• Church sports and camps

Since fatherless boys make up at least 20% of all boys, any church activities that attract boys from the community, like church basketball leagues, softball leagues, and camps will inevitably also attract fatherless boys, especially teens.

Reach Unchurched Fatherless Boys by Utilizing National and Regional Ministries

National and regional ministries to fatherless boys provide excellent expertise on how to reach fatherless boys in your community. Here are some examples of successful national and regional ministries to fatherless boys:

• Fathers.com

Fathers.com, the ministry of the National Center for Fathering, equips fathers, grandfathers, and father figures to lead their families with biblical wisdom, intentional love, and spiritual purpose. Through articles, training courses, research, podcasts, and leadership resources, it helps men build stronger families and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

• Fathers in the Field

Fathers in the Field equips local churches to mentor fatherless boys through one-on-one relationships with Christian men. Using outdoor activities, biblical discipleship, and long-term mentoring, the ministry helps boys experience the love of their Heavenly Father while strengthening families, engaging churches, and breaking the cycle of generational fatherlessness.

• Truth in Nature

Truth in Nature is a Christian mentoring ministry that reaches fatherless boys through outdoor adventures and long-term, Christ-centered relationships with godly men. Working through local chapters, it uses activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking to disciple young men, strengthen families, and help break the cycle of fatherlessness.

• Mentor Up Ministries

Mentor UP Ministries equips Christian men to mentor fatherless boys through weekly group meetings that combine meals, sports, Bible study, life mentoring, and special outings. Working through local chapters, the ministry helps boys discover their God-given worth while building character, faith, and lasting relationships with caring Christian mentors.

As you can see, there are a number of excellent ministries to fatherless boys that -- by doing a little research -- your church can either utilize directly or use as templates for your own custom designed ministry to reach unchurched fatherless boys.