The Role of Men in Foster Care Ministry

 

Pastor Bob Griffith, Virginia: The Role of Men in Foster Care Ministry

By Robert Griffith

When we talk about foster care ministry, men often stay quiet. Some don’t see where they fit. Others assume it’s a space for women—nurturing, caregiving, hospitality. But that narrow view doesn’t reflect the needs of children or the Church's calling.

Children in foster care need stability. They need mentors, structure, and adults who show up and stay. And they need to see men model Christlike leadership, humility, and strength.

Foster care ministry doesn’t ask every man to become a foster father. But it does ask every believer to participate in the work of restoration. That includes men.

So where do we start?

1. Be Present
Whether you’re a coach, small group leader, or neighbor, your presence matters. Children in care often lack consistent male figures. Being a steady, safe adult—even for a few hours a week—builds trust and confidence over time.

2. Support Other Men Who Foster
Foster dads face unique pressures. They need encouragement, prayer, and peer support. Offer to meet for coffee. Ask good questions. Listen without fixing. Community strengthens resolve.

3. Use Practical Skills to Serve
Are you good with tools, vehicles, or budgeting? Use those gifts to support foster families. Home repairs, tutoring teens on car maintenance, or helping with job applications are all meaningful.

4. Lead by Example in Church Culture
When men speak openly about supporting foster care, it shifts the culture. Other men notice. Young boys notice. It becomes normal, not niche.

5. Say Yes When God Asks
If you feel the nudge toward deeper involvement—respite care, mentoring, or even fostering—don’t ignore it. Ask questions. Seek counsel. And respond if God confirms.

Scripture shows men engaging in justice, compassion, and care. Joseph protected Jesus by accepting a child that wasn’t biologically his. Boaz stepped in with integrity and responsibility. Jesus himself honored children and taught men to lead through service.

The foster care system doesn’t need superheroes. It needs steady men of faith. Men who pray. Men who show up. Men who aren’t afraid to be known as protectors, mentors, or providers—not in title, but in action.

If you’ve been waiting to find your place in foster care ministry, this is your moment. Not everyone is called to the same role. But every man is called to be part of the solution.

Let that start now.

To explore foster care engagement, national dialogue, or connect with Pastor Bob Griffith’s book Fostering Jesus, visit FosteringJesus.org.

When your plans seem “Hindered”

​1Thessalonians 2:18 “We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan hindered us.”

The word hindered means a road that is impassable. It also was used in the Greek to describe a runner in a race that elbowed the lead runner with aggression and knocked them out of the race. 

Paul had to turn around and strategize a new way to get to the Thessalonians because of the aggression and obstacles of Satan pushing him back and the people used by Satan (like the runner).

I also have seen this. But I keep praying and simply look for another path to get to where God wants me to go. Like Paul, I recognize the pushback as Satan and pray and look for another path. There is more than one path. In Jesus name! 

Helping churches Launch foster care ministry

​Www.fosteringJesus.org 

I spoke at Word of Life church about foster care ministry to help them cast vision and launch a ministry to foster kids this year! 

Your Spiritual Time each Day is the Priority

​Great reminder to keep your spiritual growth the number 1 priority in your life. It helps you stay fresh and full of the spirit and it helps encourage those that look to you for leadership.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.  (1 Timothy 4:16, NLT)

Calling the Church to Care for Foster Children

​Article on calling the Church to foster care ministry:

Www.fosteringjesus.org

https://www.financialcontent.com/article/zexprwire-2025-11-27-pastor-bob-griffith-of-virginia-releases-fostering-jesus-a-call-to-action-for-the-church-on-foster-care

How Faith Communities Build Sustainable Foster Care Support

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pastor Robert Griffith, Virginia, Shares How Faith Communities Build Sustainable Foster Care Support

Virginia — Pastor Robert Griffith, Virginia, has worked with churches long enough to see what fails and what lasts. In foster care ministry, enthusiasm alone rarely sustains families. Support systems do.

Griffith, a Virginia based pastor, professor, and nonprofit founder, focuses on sustainability. His work centers on how churches organize volunteers, partner with agencies, and reduce burnout among foster parents.

“Foster care efforts are strained when support depends on a few people doing everything,” said Griffith. “In contrast, it thrives when many people do something specific.”

Griffith’s experience spans pastoral leadership and academic training. He has served churches in the Washington, DC region, the West Coast, and the Midwest. He teaches leadership and practical theology at Southeastern University. In each setting, he studies how systems shape outcomes.

According to Griffith, churches often start with good intentions but lack operational clarity. Volunteers step in without defined roles. Communication stays informal and as a result, support fades after initial placements.

Griffith advocates for simple, repeatable structures. Churches assign coordinators. Teams handle meals, transportation, and respite care. Clear schedules replace last minute requests.

He stresses partnership with local agencies. When churches work with existing systems in the community everyone is stronger. Training aligns with state requirements. Communication remains consistent.

“There is an opportunity today for the churches to support current foster families and cheer them on.” Griffith said.

The nonprofit he founded, 1Hope Together, helps churches design these frameworks. He also recommends a national organization www.backyardorphans.org that will assess how each church can take a step forward in doing something to help. The organization trains leaders to assess capacity before recruiting families. This approach protects foster parents from isolation.

Griffith emphasizes shared responsibility. Not every church member is able to be a foster home. Everyone, however, can participate in some form of care. This model reduces pressure and increases retention.

Research supports his approach. Studies show foster families supported by community networks experience lower stress and remain licensed longer. Griffith integrates this data into training.

His work also addresses leadership culture. When pastors speak about foster care as core discipleship, engagement increases. When leaders model involvement, volunteers follow.

“People often take cues from what leaders prioritize,” Griffith said. “Silence signals optional.”

Griffith’s advocacy has reached national platforms. Outreach Magazine, K Love radio, and members of Congress have highlighted his work. Still, his focus remains local.

He mentors university students and collaborates with church leaders across Virginia. His goal stays practical. Build systems. Share load. Protect families.

Griffith also draws from personal experience. His own journey into foster care involved doubt and disruption. That reality informs his teaching.

“I did not walk into this confident,” he said. “I walked in committed to help.”

His book, Fostering Jesus, reflects these principles. It outlines how churches shift from reactive charity to organized care. While the book offers theological context, it also emphasizes action.

“Scripture gives direction,” he said. “Thoughtful systems create a love in action that helps make obedience in this area a reality.”

Griffith also believes sustainable foster care support shapes church credibility. Communities notice when care persists after the spotlight of an event or a message fades.

“Consistency builds trust,” he said. “Families feel it. Agencies see it.”

As churches across Virginia seek ways to serve vulnerable children, Griffith offers a clear message. Sustainable foster care depends on planning, shared effort, and leadership alignment.

“People want to help,” Griffith said. “Give them structure, and they will.”

For more information, visit www.FosteringJesus.org.

A Message for Everyone!

​The amazing part or the Christmas message to me is that God revealed the birth of Jesus to both the poor shepards and the rich wise men. His message is for everyone.