FATHERING Bruce Robinson 2013 The Blue Book of Tips for Fathers & Father-figures Bruce Robinson

 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 4.6 He 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 YOUCHILD

BUS Being there Unconditional love Special

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 there B

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

Academic Sport Looks U Personality Behaviour Beliefs

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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 10:29,30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered Psalm 139: 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; Special S

YOU >3 billion base pairs CCGTACCTGAAGC Your DNA would stretch to the moon and back >1000 times.

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Special one-on-one times It doesn’t have to be flash But it does have to be different Listen, don’t preach No other adults No 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 YOUCHILD

BUS Being there Unconditional love Special

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