Seminar

One day Fathers Seminar at KWSG Church.

Oct-14, 2018: KWSG One day Fathers Seminar on the topic “Role & responsibility of fathers in today’s world” was successfully held on 13^th Oct’18 at KWSG Church with the participation of more than 50 fathers by the grace of God. Dr Rev JM Pau was the resource person of the day.  The seminar sessions dealt with biblical principles of godly father’s role & responsibility in building good family, society & nation in three session coverings following topics:

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY FATHERS (Psalm:122).

1. WRONG WAYS OF FATHERING.

• A domineering father: One who feels that he is always right. The children are treated as if they don't have a will of their own.
• Dishonest father: They promise a reward and never give in. They never keep their promise. Their children see them as dishonest.
• A threatening father: They always use 'IF'. Example, If you fail your exam, you’ll get no gift. 
• Exploding father: Those who just blow up and spew words in every direction. Children learn to ignore them quietly.
• A busy father: Those who have no time for the family. They are too busy with other things that he doesn't know in which class his children are studying.
• Passive father: They don't lead, they are sort of uninvolved in the home. When things get hot in the home they take their dog and walk away.
• Wise father: By his lifestyle he serves as a 'model'. He also works with his children by giving self and time (eg. learning together).

1. THE GODLY FATHER . 

• Father and blessing (vs.1)
• Father and his children (Vs.2)
• Father and property (Vs.3)
• Father and his conduct (Vs.4-5)
• Father and his confidence (Vs.6-8)
• Father and benevolence (Vs.9)
• Father and legacy (Vs.10)
•  

1. WE NEED FATHER

• who will learn the word of God: (Ps. 119:9-10)
• who love the word of God: (Ps. 119:11, 47, 97,140)
• who live the word of God: (Ps. 119:17)

1. THE IMPACT OF FATHER ON THEIR CHILDREN.

Few examples from the Bible on the impact of father on their children are as below;

1. NINE (9) SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL FATHER.

• A successful father is a man of covenant: A man of covenant is a promise keeper. Their "Yes" is truly "Yes". In the Bible 'Covenant' is the death of two Will's and the birth of one will. Marriage is dying to your will, a binding covenant which cannot be broken till death do us apart
• A successful father is a man of faith: All hero's of faith were those who take Good at his word. Having faith in the Almighty God is one thing, but obedience is all that matters. If you are obedient you will receive blessings. Obedience is the key to blessings (Is.1-9).  We receive salvation from our obedience (Heb.5:8-9). Blessings of the Lord is conditional, it is clearly stated in Deut.28:1-14.
• A successful father loves his family: Loving family the way God love us. Headship is not dictatorship, but it is leadership. So God is talking about leadership in the family not dictatorship. Christ sanctifies & nourishes the Church-Husband’s must build up & strengthen his wife. In Genesis, leaving your father & mother means emotionally & financially leaving not physical leaving. It doesn’t mean that you should stop loving your parent but your love for your wife should be higher than your love toward your parent. Your love for parent shall remain constant but love for your wife should be greater for wife. The moment you are married, parents have no authority but they can only give advice because God only has authority not our parents. The more there is leaving, the more there’ll be cleaving.  This may be difficult to understand as it contradicts with our culture but this is what the Bible says.
• A successful man is a good listener: There are fathers who do not have patience to listen to their wife/children problems. They make their own conclusion to the problem even before wife/children finish saying what they’ve to say. Fathers must give ears to family members for the simple reason that God as a father listen to us.
• A successful man bless his wife and children: Successful fathers bless his wife and children: what you speak over to your children will take place in their lives. You have the role as a priest, prophet and a king. Jacob pronounces blessings to his children without knowing it happen or not (Gen 49: 1-27). We should also pronounce blessing upon our children. There’s power in our tongue. If you pronounce good, good will happen and vice versa (Pr 18:21). The Jews father will call his children every Friday night and bless them one after another.
• A successful man is a man of prayer: Prayer lead to intimacy. You will become one for whom you prayed for. If you pray for you wife and children, you'll develop intimacy with them. Praying for each child, especially covering prayer, is important (Job 1:5)
• A successful father is a discipline man: Every father has to make a decision whether you will raise your children by the law of jungle or the law of God. Without discipline, children will grow up wild. Therefore, discipline children with the word of God. You can cry for child now or cry latter (Pr 23:13). If one can teach a dog how to behave, we can surely teach and mould our children. (Pr 23:13).
• A successful father is a leader: Adam was responsible to protect or guard his wife, Eve (Gen 2:15). He was to protect his wife from seduction of the beast of the field, but he failed in his duty. The first sin is the sin of omission, not doing what the Lord taught him to do. Today we also continue to sin for not obeying God words.
• A successful father praises his wife: When is the last time you openly praise your wife (Pr 31:28-30). When is the last time you say,” honey, your price is far above rubies’”. Say good words to your wife at least once in a day. These simple words will make a difference in husband-wife relationship.

Some contextual realities and contemporary challenges frequently faced by father’s were also discussed in the seminar. All the participants immensely enjoyed the seminar sessions as all the topics complemented each other beautifully. The participants were also made to discuss amongst themselves on the topics: what would be some of the characteristics of a prodigal fathers, what legacy would you like to leave for your children? What would be that particular thing you want them to continue in their generation? It was encouraging to see the participants’ openness and their contributions during the discussion and Q&A hours. The seminar concluded with the message, “fathers must leave legacy based on biblical principles to their next generation”. It was also reported that there are fathers who have come all the way from Aizawl, Rangia & Tezpur to attend the seminar.  Some of the feedbacks received from fathers’ are-

1. Before it was a general perception that mothers & children are the root cause of family problems and fathers are always right but seminar topic has open the eyes of fathers. [General comment after the 2^nd session]
2. Many fathers expressed that amongst the action points presented “to praise or say good words to wife at least once a day” is too difficult to put into practice immediately [General comment at the end of 3^rd session].
3. Bible texts chosen were familiar ones but explained in different way in the context of fathers makes it simple, understandable and practicable. In fact, practical illustrations and personal testimonies of Dr. Pau with his family members compliment the seminar topics and give practical insights. [Haopu]
4. I was reluctant to join Pa te seminar organized by KWSG as I felt seminars on any topic is a waste of time. Subjects like role of father's is putting more burden on your shoulder as you wouldn't be practicing in your day to day life and it's a sin not to practice what you feel is right and yes, I was wrong. The seminar was a booster dose for me in my spiritual life as well as understanding more about the responsibility and role of a Christian father. Ti's not only about practicing but implementing as well. Thank you Dr. JM Pau. [Pa Garym]

On Sunday, Rev Dr Pau & Lucy also joined KWSG Nurses Sunday fellowship service where Rev Pau was the speaker. He encouraged the nurses and congregation through the topic: “Nursing is Ministry” based on the Bible text Mathew 25:35-37. More than 60+ nurses attended the service and they are blessed with the message. Many nurses have expressed their happiness stating that it is often very difficult to remain calm & compose while on duty especially with rude attendants but the sermon has enlightened us to handle such tough situations.