Rant: Tired of being the only dad at church events

May 31 min read

Why is it always just moms at the church nursery, moms at the children's ministry, moms leading Bible study for kids? I volunteer and show up but I feel like I'm always the odd man out. My kids need to see that faith isn't just a mom thing. The church needs more men stepping up and leading by example. Anyone else feel like they're fighting an uphill battle trying to be the spiritual leader in your home when the church structure doesn't support dads being involved?

8 comments224 views

Comments(8)

BBrandonRegularMay 4

Man I feel this. Showed up to the nursery rotation and I was the only guy there. Not complaining about helping but it would be nice to see more dads step up.

DDerek P.RegularMay 4

Thank you for saying this. I volunteer at our kids' school and I'm one of maybe two dads who shows up regularly. It's weird how it's just assumed that moms will handle all the kid stuff. More of us need to step up like you're doing.

MMarcoRegularMay 4

Honestly some of it is just that moms volunteer more in general but yeah, having dads present matters. Have you suggested they actively recruit dads or is the leadership not interested?

DDominic E.RegularMay 3

Honestly, the fact that you're volunteering and showing up is already breaking that mold. The church needs to see more dads like you in those spaces. Keep doing your thing.

AAdam J.RegularMay 3

Man, I feel this. My fridge is basically a gallery of my kids' art at this point, and I want them seeing dads invested in their faith community too. You showing up matters more than you know.

JJosh M.RegularMay 3

This resonates. The assumptions people make about dad involvement are ridiculous. I do Bible study with my kids at home partly because I got tired of being the only guy in these spaces. Just wanted to validate your frustration here.

MMiguelRegularMay 3

Real talk - I had the same frustration for a while. Then I just started showing up anyway and it got easier. Now the church knows they can count on me and some other dads are starting to volunteer too. Sometimes you gotta be the first one to break the pattern.

CChris R.RegularMay 4

I'm at every church thing I can be at with my kids. Kids need to see dads involved in faith too. Keep pushing back on this.