Connecting Dads/Men into Christian Community Craig Mattes Director of Community Engagement St. Paul Lutheran Church & School cmattes@stpaulaurora.org

How it started… dadsofgreatstudents.com   The WATCH D.O.G.S. Startup Kit costs approximately $500.00. 

Tapping into the hearts of dads - a potential LCMS Northern Illinois District (www.linkedin.com/groups/4206648/) article Tapping into the hearts of dads - a potential (and inexpensive) outreach program for Lutheran schools

What we expect to happen as a result? Why? Provide more positive male role models to our students.   What we expect to happen as a result? More men looking out for the educational/spiritual growth of our school children. Our school dads growth in the raising/discipling of their children. More dads connected to group and/or church life at St. Paul.

Implementation Select a point person who will work hand-in-hand with the principal. Set a date for a Donut With Dads event where the vision and invitation of the F.O.R.C.E. can be shared. As a beginning step, offer opportunity for dads to serve one-day-a-week. Work with teachers on the schedule of the day. Do follow-ups and thank yous with dads. Invite dads to men’s events/groups at your church.

Schedule for the day

Testimonies

A Connection Story …after my invitation to join us for Men of BBQ on 4/20! I’ve already received an RSVP from Pete K. that he will be attending again in May. According to my records, Pete, though an 11 am worshiper with his family at St. Paul, was not previously connected to a form of group life this year. Very cool that God used this partnership with the school, via the FORCE, to connect Pete. I introduced Pete to several fellas at the 4/20 gathering.

All handouts and graphics found at stpaulaurora.org/FORCE

Q & A