This Sunday it is Fathers’ Day in Australia. As a Dad, it is nice to be noticed. I have a problem, however, in how Dads are often portrayed in our society. Have you noticed that almost every “family” TV show and advert portrays Dad as the fool – often out of touch with reality and the butt of the jokes? In my studies of ways in which the Church may better support and equip men to be men and fathers, I have observed that governments and learning institutions offer very little to equip male youths on the road to manhood, or support men in being a good father or grandfather. Instead men “learn as they go”, often making the same mistakes more than once before they get it right. Is it any wonder men find it so difficult to fulfil their role as fathers?
I believe local Christian churches are in a wonderful position to support and equip the men and boys of their community through time, facilities, teaching, and mentoring. Some churches have established “Mens’ Sheds”. Others provide camps and other opportunities for men and their sons to get away together and learn from each other. Practical and moral support to men is one area the Church can lead the way in meeting a real need in our community and sharing in practical ways how God intends us to live.
Hey, Dads, well done and I hope you have a great day!
Pastor Bob