The Attack on Fathers: Why Dad Still Matters

Most people don’t realize the value of a father until he’s gone. Like a windshield on a car, you assume it’s always there—until the bugs start hitting your teeth. That was the opening image from Pastor Gene Herndon in his powerful Father’s Day message, The Attack on Fathers. And it sets the tone for what might be one of the most important conversations in our culture today.

Fatherhood is under attack—socially, spiritually, and systematically. We live in a world that has diminished the role of men and stripped fatherhood of its honor. But as Pastor Gene reminded us, being physically present is not the same as being truly present. And that distinction is costing generations.

The Windshield You Didn't Know You Needed

Fathers are protectors. They shield their families from pressure, harm, and chaos. Often silently. Often invisibly. But when that shield is gone, the absence is loud.

As Pastor Gene shared through the story of Abraham and his father Terah in Genesis 11, a father has the power to set a trajectory—even if he doesn’t complete the journey. Terah was headed for Canaan but stopped in Haran. Was it failure? Or was it simply the furthest he could take his family?

The lesson: a good father goes as far as he can, so his children can go even further.

Presence Over Perfection

We don’t need perfect dads. We need present ones.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (cited on the Father Absence Wikipedia page), 63% of youth suicides involve children from fatherless homes

Pastor Gene didn’t mince words: this isn’t just emotional—it’s spiritual.

The enemy has always hated fathers because fathers carry identity, direction, and blessing. Fathers model authority and covering. Remove the man, and the home is exposed.

Terah's Delay or Abraham's Destiny?

Terah’s name means delay, and Haran became his place of settling. How many men have stopped short of the promise because the pressure was too great? How many settled in a safe space because the journey to Canaan—to purpose—was just too costly?

But God came to Abraham, Terah's son, and said: Now it’s your turn.

Every man must face this same moment. The baton gets passed. The mantle gets heavy. But the promise remains.

Letting Go of "Lot"

Abraham’s journey couldn’t continue until he separated from Lot. Lot represents weight, distraction, and contention. Pastor Gene reminded fathers: sometimes what you’re praying for God to fix is the very thing He’s waiting for you to let go.

Lot might be a toxic relationship, a mindset, a habit, or a spiritual compromise. But until you make the decision to cut ties with "Lot," God may not give the next instruction.

And once Abraham did? God said, Now, lift up your eyes.

Lift Up Your Eyes, Dad

Weary dad, tired husband, silent protector—lift up your eyes.

God isn’t finished with you. The journey isn’t over. Maybe you settled in Haran, but there’s still time to reach Canaan. Maybe you’ve been under pressure, unseen, unheard—but God has seen it all. And He says, every place your eyes can see, I will give you.

Your role as a father matters. Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re positioned.

So walk. Lead. Rise. Be the shield they don’t even know they need.

Want more?

🎉 Join us for Father’s Day at Stonepoint!

📍 4445 W Olive Ave Suite #151, Glendale, AZ 85302

🗓 Sunday, June 15th at 11:15AM

Let’s celebrate the strength, leadership, and love of fathers together. Invite the men in your life—you don’t want to miss this!