“After Fathers in the Field was presented to our Church Brother Lee asked me if I would step up to help lead the ministry and I was glad to do it. Having worked as a teacher, coach, principle and super intendent of schools I saw the night and day difference between boys with and without dads. Typically, the boys who were continually in trouble were fatherless. Fathers in the Field is a ministry to help heal these boys and God willing to break the cycle of fatherlessness. There was no way I wasn’t going to be a part of this ministry.”
– Kerry Birdwell Lead Church Champion at West Lake Baptist Church of Chandler Texas
Fathers in the Field is a ministry of the local Church and operates through the hard work and dedication of an all-volunteer Church Champion team. This team is hand picked by the Pastor and consists of both men and women whose sole focus is on helping fatherless boys and their families.
The effort is headed by the Lead Church Champion, a man of God, who works tirelessly to ensure the Church helps as many boys as possible. Kerry Birdwell has been filling this role since 2021 when his Church first started the ministry.
When we spoke, I asked Kerry about some of the challenges he faces as the Lead CC.
“We have 8 Church Champions, with a variety of responsibilities, so keeping everyone on the same page, informed and moving in the right direction is a challenge. When we first started, we thought finding boys would be the easiest thing, but it has been a challenge to find single mothers who are open to letting their boys be involved. The Single moms are excited to share their information but getting them to follow through can be tough. We just keep after them because we know how busy life is for them. That’s where having a strong Church Champion team is a blessing, it allows us to be persistent in helping the fatherless boys in our community no matter the obstacles.”
With these challenges come great rewards, here are a few Kerry shared:
Seeing a single mom finally understand how this ministry will help her son, and they move forward in the process.
When a Field Buddy gets paired with his Mentor Father and they begin the healing journey.
Watching a Field Buddy grow in his relationship with Christ and mature as a young man.
Experiencing firsthand the joy of our widows at the church who love this ministry and the interaction through service projects.
I asked Kerry what advice he would give to those looking at the ministry of Fathers in the Field.
“This is a ministry you need to jump on and get it started. There are so many boys who are fatherless and suffering, we need as many people to step up and help as we can get. There are so many ways to help in this ministry that there really is no excuse not to help.”
Standing in the Gap,
John Smithbaker
Founding Servant
p: 1-844-472-4241 e: info@fathersinthefield.com
