Programs for Faith
Communities
Good Dads Is Good for
Faith Communities
Although Good Dads is not faith-based, it is faith-friendly. By that we mean that Good Dads programs are very adaptable to the faith community. Fundamentals for Good Dads is ideal for ministry for men in any church or congregational setting. Good Dads Strong Schools can be easily adapted to programs that bring dads and their children together. New Pathways for Good Dads, which features Good Dads 2.0, is ideal for any faith community desiring to reach at-risk fathers. Finally, Good Dads Great Communities is designed to mobilize any group, including faith groups, to focus on fathers in a positive, engaging way.
Success Story: New Life CityChurch – Good Dads Kansas City
We are currently delivering our third Fundamentals for Good Dads program at New Life CityChurch. It is a powerful learning experience. Our graduates love the program so much they often become facilitators to deliver the Fundamentals for Good Dads program or the Good Dads 2.0 program to other men. We add a 15-minute discussion around a Scripture passage directly relating to the competency that is taught.
The class provides a platform to look at the similarities of coaching a sports team and leading your family. Most fathers come into the program believing they are good fathers. In many senses they are, but they are not prepared to address today’s demands on the family. In table group discussions, men discuss topics that do not come up at work, or even at church, including balance, scheduling family time, healthy relationships, values and more. Every week men discuss how to thrive in today’s busy and unstable world in which we live.
Participants, upon completing the program, said:
- Helped me figure out what is most important to me in leading my family
- Showed me how leadership principles used in leading winning sports teams is
helpful for me to lead my family - Helped me learn how to communicate better with my family
- Showed me how to recognize when I am becoming angry
- Taught me how I can more effectively resolve conflicts
- Explained how I can assess my own stress level and reduce my stress
- Increased my awareness of how I influence my children
- Showed me how to increase my child’s self-confidence
Bring Fundamentals for Good Dads to Your Congregation
Given that more women than men are active participants in most religious congregations and faith communities, it may seem unusual to focus on fathers. However, research in psychology, sociology and religious studies alike suggests several reasons why a focus on fathers is important for any congregation.
Modeling and Influence
Fathers who actively practice their faith are more likely to influence their children’s religious behaviors and beliefs. This includes engaging in religious practices such as attending services, praying together or discussing religious teachings. Some studies suggest that a father is more influential on his child’s faith development than his mother.
Emotional Bonding
Children who feel a close connection to their fathers are more likely to adopt their fathers’ religious views and practices. This is especially true for children who perceive their fathers as consistent and authentic in their faith expressions.
Long-Term Impact
Any congregation desiring to ensure the health and longevity of their tradition will want to help fathers be as effective as engaged as possible with their children. The religious impact of fathers is often generational, extending beyond children to grandchildren.
About the Course
Fundamentals for Good Dads is an 8-part course designed to encourage positive father involvement. The essential Good Dads playbook is the perfect way for any dad (including step-dads, grandfathers and father-figures) to become more engaged with their children.
The course paves the way to forging connections among fathers using familiar language and relatable examples common to any sports lover. It uses an extended coaching metaphor to illustrate that the winning habits successful coaches employ are many of the same strategies that good dads use to raise and lead healthy, happy families.
Workshop participants will explore the following:
- As a dad and as the coach of my family, what can I do to ensure we make it through hard times?
- How can I positively impact my family using my strengths?
- On whom can I rely?
Participants experience a fusion of engaging facilitator-led discussion topics and educational, impactful activities. They use multimedia expert testimonials from professional coaches chiefly relevant to twenty-first century fathers to cover big-picture topics like healthy masculinity, discipline and handling one’s emotions.
415 E. Walnut Street
Springfield, MO 65806
Call us: (417) 501-8867
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
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