Starting an Outreach for Fathers? Three Tips and Three Resources

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Lyndon waited in the pregnancy center all evening, alone. “We had done all the marketing, all the Facebook ads, everything to publicize this fatherhood event, and zero men showed up,” he shared. Many of us in ministry have been there before—last year I went door-to-door in my church neighborhood, inviting people to come eat the tacos we had carefully prepared for a flopped event. 

Men’s ministry presents particular difficulties—even for Lyndon Azcuna, who founded a revolutionary fathering ministry in Angola prison, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. Men don’t enjoy conversation-based events as much as women do, they may have irregular work schedules, and many men didn’t grow up with a tuned-in father of their own, so they don’t see the importance of their role.

The negative effects of fatherlessness are overwhelming. Christians have a unique opportunity to reach out to fathers in their community, equipping them for their vocation and meeting needs for faith, freedom from addiction, and mentorship along the way. As you consider how your church or organization might better serve dads this Fathers’ Day, here are three tips and three ready-to-go programs recommended by seasoned leaders.

TIP 1: Start with your Sphere

The team at LifePlan, the pregnancy center Azcuna currently directs, learned their lesson: begin with current connections. Men’s ministry is all about relationships, so don’t try to build a new program from the ground up. Does your church have a food pantry or co-op? A community barbeque? A MOPs group? Start there. Invite the men already in your sphere of influence, and eventually, they will invite their friends as well. Don’t feel the pressure only to invite “at-risk” fathers. Dr. Jennifer Baker, Founder and Executive Director of Good Dads shares that men gain immense value from getting to know other dads outside their regular circle. Help grow social capital by inviting men from all walks of life.

TIP 2: Choose the Right Leader

While this advice is true for most ministries, a fatherhood ministry will require a particularly deep relational commitment on the part of the leader. Before launching a class or group, for example, he may have to develop a friendship with each father individually. Wait for a volunteer or staff member who is truly passionate about serving fathers, and then equip him with everything he needs.

TIP 3: Set Fathers up for Success

Dr. Baker explains that many men feel awkward and inadequate in social settings. Any event serving fathers, then, should be “no-fail.” She suggests greeting men at the door, and providing all materials, including food, pens, water for kids, etc. In addition, try to build your initial events around activities rather than conversation. When fathers feel successful, they are more likely to come back.

Bonus Tip: Give the Mom the day off

When hosting a father/child event, try to avoid having mothers help out. Providing men the chance to spend fun, quality time with their children without mom around to suggest or correct can help them experience their own unique giftedness as a parent.

Ready to get started? Here are three out-of-the-box fatherhood programs to consider for your church or organization:  

Resource 1: Good Dads Strong Schools

This program has everything you need to host a short lesson and a “high touch, low tech” activity for children and their fathers (or father figures) to enjoy before school. The package includes materials for eight sessions, one for every month of the school year. Good Dads Strong Schools is a great first step for ministries to meet and serve dads in their community.

Resource 2: 24/7 Dad

This evidence-based program provides facilitators with 12 group-based lessons in topics such as handling feelings, discipline, and co-parenting. A church or organization with a strong network of fathers might offer this curriculum to take their ministry to the next level. 

Resource 3: Sexual Sanity for Men

This book study by Harvest USA helps men of any age understand pornography as spiritual idolatry. Addiction to pornography jeopardizes the marriages, health, and parenting of fathers inside and outside the Church. By attacking the problem at the heart level, leaders can help men find freedom. 

This Father’s Day, pray about launching one of the above programs at your church or organization. It could make a difference for generations to come.