Mark Chester is the founder and chairman of the Who Let The Dads Out? national initiative, which began in 2003. He works full time for Liverpool Football Club as their community family officer, where he has established and developed Tactics 4 Families, a schools programme using the language and principles of football to encourage the skills needed in positive family relationships.
A compelling vision and inspiring example alongside tested
practical steps needed to make this happen. Mark Molden, Chief
Executive, Care for the Family
From The Church Times - June 2012 An increasing number of churches
seek ways to restore connections with men. Typically, these
initiatives involve sport, food, discussion, and beer. How
refreshing, therefore, to discover Mark Chester's two books. Who
Let the Dads Out? and its companion School's Out Dad's About offer
churches inspiration and practical ideas for engagement with dads
and their young children. Chester, who works as a community family
officer at Liverpool Football Club, argues that "if we want to see
faith in God passed down through generations of families", then we
must make a determined effort to "reach out and support
relationships between fathers and children". The first book begins
with a short section exploring the importance of fatherhood, and
identifying some of the obstacles that men face today in finding
faith. It is a helpful introduction, but not much more. The second
section tells the story of the first Who Let the Dads Out? sessions
(described as like mums and toddlers with bacon butties and
newspapers), led by Chester at his church in Hoole, Cheshire; it
leads into some useful practical guidance about setting up such a
group. The book concludes with a craft idea for each month of the
year. The second book describes three further initiatives that will
help churches develop the contacts made through father-and-toddler
groups: School's Out Dad's About, a club for fathers and
infant-school-age children; Daddy Cool!, a five-session parenting
programme; and Soul Man?, a group where men can discuss faith. The
book is full of ideas and practical guidance, and it is rooted in
experience. These two books do not provide an in-depth look at
fatherhood, or a nuanced exploration of male spirituality. Indeed,
they are somewhat superficial and often frustratingly brief. Not
all fathers or male carers will have the time or inclination to
participate in the activities described. Many of the questions of
identity and faith which men face are complex and deep-set. There
are no quick fixes. What Chester offers, however, is a passionate
challenge to congregations to take a fresh look at their engagement
with men and families in their communities. His two books are an
invaluable set of tools that will help any church develop this
important aspect of mission. What, in the end, is so appealing is
that this is not simply another guide to outreach among men; rather
it is a call to bring enrichment to an area in which many fathers
struggle - their relationship with their young children. Canon John
Kiddle is Director of Mission in the diocese of St Albans.
From The Good Bookstall - August 2012 I have been a member of an
established (non-church) dads group for several years. Recently my
role has changed to that of group leader, albeit with much support.
With this in mind, I was asked to review this book by the TGBS
Editor, a member of a local church. I found this book to be well
written, in a thoughtful style that was neither condescending nor
excessively deep. The author's ideas and experiences are conveyed
clearly, with several points of discussion along the way. There are
differing approaches to dealing with the various age ranges, which
I found interesting. Numerous, clearly defined measures are
suggested for group organisers to follow. Some are rather obvious
but many others are less so. There were many simple, practical
steps suggested, particularly regarding how to make new dads feel
at ease. From my own experience of various parent/toddler groups,
this is easily overlooked for men. Even we can feel shy sometimes!
Although the book is written from the church's viewpoint, it
highlights issues that are common to any parent group, male or
female. This includes the stigma that can be attached to joining a
group that is perceived as being run by 'do-gooders'. This was a
well informed read, as a Stay-at-home-dad and group leader myself I
can safely say the author knows his stuff. Reviewed by Tim Gluyas,
Leominster
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