Training Christian Men to Lead Their Family While Incarcerated at Hampton County Detention Center in Varnville, South Carolina

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to train, encourage, and develop fathers at Hampton County Detention Center in Varnville, South Carolina, to become godly examples to and biblical shepherds of their children with a view toward ending the cycle of hopelessness, lawlessness, and failure in their families.

Chapter 1 provides the context for the project and outlines the goals, rationale, and methods undergirding the proposed training. Chapter 2 examines Bible passages men should consider as they think about spiritual leadership in the home and develops a biblical theology for how fathers might approach growing as spiritual leaders. This chapter impresses upon men, even those who are incarcerated, the importance of finding ways to lead their children. Chapter 3 surveys the writings of various thought leaders concerning the importance and impact of fathers on their children. Specifically, materials related to the father-child relationship in the context of separation are examined and compared. Chapter 4 offers a summary of the curriculum utilized for twelve weekly meetings of training, equipping, and practicing. Chapter 5 offers an overview of the project findings, an assessment of the results, and a reflection upon proposed changes in future iterations of the project.