Session 2: Understanding our own father stories (Part 1)

Facilitator’s note: a large part of this session will be devoted to sharing stories.

Icebreaker (5 min)

What’s your favourite movie or series about fatherhood and what has it taught you?

Setting the scene (5 min)

Facilitator’s note: You or one of the members of the group reads this section aloud to everyone.

Sharing our stories helps us understand who we are, and how we relate to God and others. Sitting and listening to brothers sharing their stories can be so helpful, because you realise you are not alone; there others who are facing similar challenges to you and you can share your burdens.

In this group, we will process our stories together, learn from each other and be counselled by one another. We’ll grow to understand how our relationship with our earthly father affects our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

As you begin sharing your stories in this session, just a reminder to maintain confidentiality, to honour the person who shares by listening well, and to be honest and brave when you share.

Healing begins when we are vulnerable.

Watch the video (5 min)

Video Embed fallback imageCore Module Session 2 | Fathers Matter | Heartlines

Story-sharing (30–40 min)

Facilitator’s note: Three to four men share their stories, using the questions below as a guide. The other members will share in the next session. Allow 30–40 min for sharing. If you have a group of more than six people, we suggest breaking into smaller groups for sharing stories.

Use the questions below to help you share your story. These questions are just a guide, and if you would prefer to tell your story in a different way, you may definitely do so.

  • What type of relationship did you have with your father growing up? Was he involved, present, absent, a positive influence?
  • How has that relationship with your father shaped your own story?
  • In what ways has it impacted your relationship with God?
  • What’s one personal commitment you want to make as a father yourself?

Group prayer time (5 min)

Allow time for brief reflections on the story-sharing, and for praying for each other (For big groups, divide into pairs and pray for each other).

If time permits, each person can share his fathering commitment with the group.

Wrap-up (2–3 min)

Psalm 103:3 says, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” There are many scriptures that speak of God as compassionate, gracious and slow to anger. We’ve shared some of our father stories in this session and while our earthly fathers are not perfect and have not always expressed love the way we’d hoped, it is good to know we have a Heavenly Father who is gracious and compassionate.

In our next session we will hear stories from others in the group. Please try to check in on at least one other member in the week ahead, and spend time in prayer for one another.

Action for the week ahead

Do a follow-up call with one of the members in the group. Or, find another father or man outside this group and ask him about his relationship with his father. 

Fathers Matter Christian Connect Group Core Module

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