Helping churches help fathers

Are you a church, ministry or small-group leader? Heartlines Fathers Matter has tools and resources to help end father absence in our spiritual families, communities and nation. When men are positively and actively present in children’s lives, it’s good for everyone – children, women and men.

“And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers…” Malachi 4:6

What Fathers Matter can do for your ministry

Fathers Matter helps people to process their own father stories, and understand why fathers are important. This allows people to heal from their past, by God’s grace, and encourages men and women to encourage the role of fathers and positive male role models in children’s lives.

In our faith communities, we see many people struggling with personal challenges that have roots in a father’s absence. This also impacts our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Research shows us that when children have a positive, active and present father or father figure, it has huge benefits. It can reduce the likelihood of the children abusing alcohol and drugs, experiencing teenage pregnancy and dropping out of school, among other things.

We have a team of reps around the country who can walk alongside your church community and help facilitate important conversations for healing and change.

We also have films and ready-made small-group resources that your team can use independently to introduce Fathers Matter in your ministry or small group.

How to get started

Step 1: Understand why fathers matter

Our team of reps around the country can comeand present or preach on Fathers Matter, giving your community a first taste.

Step 2: Host conversations on fatherhood

We also offer more in-depth workshops to help people process their own father story and start important conversations about fatherhood.

Step 3: Equip your leaders

We can orientate your ministry or small group leaders on how to use specific resources (connect group materials, film discussion guides, etc.)

Step 4: Encourage your community to sign up for the Fathers Matter Coach

The free Fathers Matter WhatsApp Coach is available 24/7 for men to get advice and tips about how to be present and involved in their children's lives. They can ask any question to the Coach, any time.

Find the resources you need

Fathers Matter Discussion Guide for Churches Cover

Films Discussion Guide for Churches

This discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the Heartlines Fathers Matter Film Series. Each film is a deeply moving and inspiring drama that explores the complexities of fatherhood in South Africa today, where most children grow up in homes without their biological fathers.

FM A Conversation for Women Christian Cover

A Conversation for Christian Women

Are you a mother, granny or caregiver, a daughter or sister, an aunt, a mentor or a friend? This is a resource that invites Christian women to a conversation about the importance of active, present and positive fatherhood.

Heartlines Fathers Matter Films Youth Discussion Guide Cover

Films Discussion Guide for Christian Youth and Young Adults

This discussion guide has been designed for Christian youth and young adult small groups and includes questions and reflection actvities based on the Fathers Matter film series.

Christian Connect Group Core Module

This is the first module that a Fathers Matter Connect Group in a church or faith-based context should work through. It is designed to help start important conversations about fatherhood and is the foundation for all other modules.

Annual Programme Guide for Churches

This Annual Programme Guide is an ideas toolkit to help you roll out Fathers Matter in your church. It includes ideas for leaders to implement Fathers Matter in the church over a 12-month period.