FATHERINGBruce Robinson 2013

The Blue Book of Tips

for Fathers & Father-figures

Bru

ce R

ob

inson

1800 1900 2000

drugs/binge drinking obesity >sexual pressures/pornography decline in school behaviour cyber bullying > school performance pressure < self esteem, depression no ‘values compass’

• > time at work < help from family e.g. grandparents < helpful models – repeating cycle > separation

FATHER’S PERFORMANCE

KIDS NEEDS/RISKS

WHY?

A lot of people have not had very good fathers. Including Christians.

Billy Graham

Malachi 4.6He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children ...

WHAT DO KIDS NEED?

• love

• discipline

• provision

How many verses in the bible specifically tell us how to behave as fathers?

31,103

GOD

YOU CHILD

BUS

Being thereUnconditional loveSpecial

Luke 15:17-23 (NIV)

When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’

So he got up and went to his father.

The gate wasn’t shut – his father was there for him.

Being there

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) Because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.“

Being thereB

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’But the father…

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

AcademicSportLooks

UPersonalityBehaviourBeliefs

d136

Feeling Special

But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

Matt 10:29,30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered

Psalm 139:13-16. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made …I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;

SpecialS

YOU

>3 billion base pairsCCGTACCTGAAGC

Your DNA would stretch to the moon and back >1000 times.

d188

Special one-on-one times

It doesn’t have to be flashBut it does have to be differentListen, don’t preach

No other adultsNo other kids

Scott. Student

“I enjoyed spending time with my dad, like being next to each other on plane trips.

You talk to other kids at school and the majority have never been anywhere or done anything special with their dads. But it’s not like their dads don’t love them. It’s just that dad makes an effort and that makes me feel special, that I really mean something to him”.

GOD

YOU CHILD

BUS

Being thereUnconditional loveSpecial

What can you do?

1. become a good father BUS

2. be a strong father-figure

3. help your community to improve their fathering - church, school, workplace etc

Why improve fathering in your community?

1.Because it makes a big difference – love your neighbour

2. Because the way to a man’s heart is through his children

- evangelism