Dads Who Mean Business
Douglas J. Rumford
When F.A.T.H.E.R.S. get together at Cincinnati's College Hill Presbyterian Church, they do more than swap fish stories. The acronym stands for Fathers And Their Home Environment Relationships Studies—an intensive two-year course in the skills of fathering. "I invited fathers to join me, not for inspiration, but for action," says Ron Rand, associate pastor. Twenty-seven signed up, even though it meant meeting at 6:30 every Monday morning for worship, prayer, instruction, and discussion. The group has divided into two companies—older fathers and younger ones. Each company in turn is divided into units of four called squads for mutual support and accountability. "We hold each other accountable to five basic disciplines," says Rand. 1. To pray daily for wife, children, and others. 2. To read Scripture daily according to a definite plan. 3. To participate at least weekly in the worship of God. 4. To serve others daily. 5. To study and develop a sound mind through reading Scripture and other pertinent literature. They also keep each other honest with a calendar check. Each man has committed himself to a weekly "club-time" with each child (30 minutes of focused attention in play or a special activity) and a special date with his wife. "When you know the others are going to check up on your commitment, it's amazing how you get it done," one man observes. Besides developing their own fathering skills, the men are committed to helping others. They publish a T.I.P. (Try It, Pop!) each month in the church newsletter. After a year of training, each man seeks another father to disciple in the same way. They are also planning creative help for the church school program.
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