Pastor Eric Nelson

A message from the pastor...


June/July/August 2025


Over the years that I have served as pastor, I have met a number of solid families. These families live in stable, peaceful homes. The children are well-adjusted and do well in life. What I have found is that these families usually have a father who cherishes his wife and provides for his children. His life at home is a priority. In addition, faith is an important part of his life. Consequently, he serves as an example of Christian living for his household. He takes the time to attend church. He leads devotions and makes sure that his sons and daughters are instructed in the Lord (Eph. 6:4).

This is not to say that loving and faithful fathers never have family problems. I have seen good parents struggle with a trouble child. I have also seen children manage to do well despite growing up in a broken home.

Despite these exceptions, it can still be said that fathers serve as a bedrock to successful families. Their role in providing security and stability for the household cannot be overstated.

Yet our society often does not value this important vocation of fatherhood. They are often portrayed as helpless buffoons in our entertainment media. Any parent who has read the Berenstain Bears knows that Papa Bear is nothing more than an overgrown cub. It’s the competent, mature Mother Bear who runs the house and sets the rules. In addition, if a divorce should happen, fathers can have their role in their children’s lives cut back to every other weekend and a few weeks during the summer.

But this should not come as a surprise in a society that often labels masculinity as toxic. Children need to be spared from fathers and their troublesome testosterone.

In contrast, the church should appreciate and esteem the role that God has given to fathers. After all, this is what we are invited to call the Almighty God who made the heavens and the earth. He is not just Lord of all, but he is also our heavenly Father.

As our Father, he provides all that we need so we can get along in this world that he has created. He guards and defends us. He also has revealed his deep and profound love by sending his only Son to be our Savior. He would not spare his beloved Son, but he gave him up for us all. As a result, Jesus would be put death on a cross for our sins. Because he rose again on the third day, we can trust that his sacrifice has reconciled us to God. Our place is with him as his children.

Therefore, let us celebrate the work of fathers. Let us encourage them to be faithful in their vocations. When the love and grace of God is reflected through fathers, stable homes with solid families usually result. Moreover, children grow up in the faith.

God’s peace be with you!

  Pastor Nelson