Giving fathers confidence to raise happy children

The Bible Reading Fellowship’s (BRF) Who Let The Dads Out? inspires and equips churches for effective missional outreach to fathers, father figures and their children. Our vision is to transform family relationships in the UK by turning the hearts of fathers and children to one another. We want to cause a cultural shift by encouraging churches to value and invest in fathers’ ministry.

BBC News has recently reported the following:

• Involved fathers may influence children indirectly by being a source of instrumental and emotional support to mothers who provide more of the direct care for children.
• There is evidence that fathers' involvement can also alleviate the impact of factors such as maternal depression, which are known to increase children's risk of behavioural problems.
• The potential positive effect of this on mothers' wellbeing and parenting strategies may then lead to better outcomes in children.

There are over 50,000 churches in the UK and 52% of children under four access some form of parent and toddler group via these churches. These groups are mainly aimed at and attract mothers and their children. It is estimated that less than one percent of UK churches are intentionally reaching out to fathers and their children. BRF believes change is urgently needed and Who Let The Dads Out? is already acting as a successful catalyst for such change and its 230 groups are reaching over 8000 fathers and their children.

Mark Chester,
Founder of Who Let The Dads Out? –

We know that fathers and father figures are incredibly important, but we also recognise that dads can be filled with doubts about their own abilities and often feel isolated. A Who Let The Dads Out? group at a local church is an environment in which dads and their children can feel welcomed and supported, can have fun together and can meet and compare notes with other dads. It's an ideal place for a dad to deepen his emotional connection with his children and develop confidence in his role as a parent.

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The objectives of BRF’s Who Let The Dads Out? are to:

• Raise awareness of the importance of intentional Ministry to Fathers
• Create space for fathers/father figures and their children to develop their relationships
• Provide opportunities for fathers/father figures to hear about Jesus, his teaching and the Bible
• Encourage fathers and father figures to bring up their children in line with Christian principles

In 2015 Who Let The Dads Out? won silver in the Best Replicable Project category at the Christian Funders Forum Awards.