Crime, high school graduation rates, teen pregnancy, sex trafficking—what do all of these social ills have in common? Fatherlessness or father-absence. According to Pastor Mark Strong, "Though fatherlessness is not the sole contributing factor to all of our social ills, it is a big player." In this week's update we offer two resources from Mark to help you bring good news to fathers and the fatherless—the sermon "Refocusing on Fatherhood" and the skills article "Preaching to the Fatherless." Plus, check out our updated Father's Day holiday page to get the latest illustrations for fatherhood themes.

In case you missed it, check out Part 1 to our interview with Bryan Chapell. Bryan has some profound and practical thoughts on how preachers can apply the biblical text. Take, for instance, these four questions to ask about every sermon:

1. What does God require?
2. Where does God require it particularly in my life?
3. Why should I do it?
4. How can I do what the Bible requires? (This question is always answered by the grace that changes us and helps us respond to the "what" question.)

This week to help you in your preaching efforts we offer the following:

• Featured Illustration: "Men Refuse to Give Up on Missing Friend"
• New Skills Article: "Preaching to the Fatherless"
• Featured Video: I Need You Dad: Inspire fathers to pour Jesus into their families.

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.