While searching for another entrepreneurial endeavor to research, I stumbled upon “Fathers in the Field.” This initially caught my eye as my elevator pitch was an idea to help mend father-son relationships; this ministry is doing just that!
Started by John Smithbaker in 2005, this ministry aims to “share God’s love with hurting boys dealing with the same abandonment issues he dealt with for so long.” Although quite successful in his career-life, Smithbaker carried many scars from his childhood due to broken family life. Due to his father’s desertion while a youth, Smithbaker admittingly had many scars and much bitterness towards his father. Desperate to rid himself of the agony he was experiencing, John sought the Lord for forgiveness and reconciliation. While it was a long process of learning how to forgive and let go of the bitterness he had held on to for so long, John ultimately learned to abide in the Father’s love for him and true healing began.
In order to prevent the devastating cycle of fatherlessness in America, John Smithbaker and his team set out to start “Fathers in the Field” which seeks to mentor the boys in a one on one fashion through outdoor activities and by sharing a Christian understanding of the Heavenly Father.
One of the really neat things about this ministry is their “enroll church” option. As one’s who are seeking to build up the local church with faithful fathers, the option of “enroll church” enables different churches to enroll their members in need of this ministry so that boys in the church can receive a positive experience.
I really love the approach of this ministry as it uses story to convey a level of personal meaning with those involved. The story of John Smithbaker, while heartbreaking, truly sets a grand story of redemption which captivates the hearts of all humans coming in contact with the ministry. Furthermore, Smithbaker showed much determination and entrepreneurial spirit as he contemplated (for years) how to best effect the next generation of America.
John Smithbaker
This sounds like a great ministry. I like that he was able to take a problem he struggled with for years and turn it into a ministry to help others that have the same problem.
This is a great ministry idea. The problem of lack of a male role model really can have a major impact on a child, especially on young men. You lose a sense of who you are and can never really learn to deal with hardships and adversity that young men grow up and without a father it is compounded and made even harder. I think it is a great ministry that can have a major impact on solving a problem that is becoming ever more prevalent in our world.
This is so inspiring! I love that John Smithbaker could take his personal story and use his passion to create an organization. Many people who go through difficult circumstances, like John, live their lives bitterly and may fall into the same patterns as thought who hurt them. However, John is such a shining example of what it looks like to rely on the Lord for strength and ultimately help and serve others. Thanks for sharing this unique story!
Great post! I have never heard anything like this before! It is always cool to hear new ways of providing ministry. I think it is amazing that this ministry aims to share God’s love with hurting boys dealing with the same abandonment issues Smithbaker dealt with for so long.
“Fathers in the Field,” and it’s mission to mentor boys in a one on one fashion through outdoor activities and by sharing a Christian understanding of the Heavenly Father, has most definitely caught my eye and attention and has reminded me that there is hope out there in this time of stressful humanity, and through God always.
Thank you for the reminder and inspiration!
This is a very interesting ministry idea! I had never hear of this before but I really like how it combines outdoor activities with learning about God. I think it is a great way to mentor boys and helping them through their tough times.