A Legacy of Fatherhood: Launching Patros and Sharing the Journey with My Kids
One of the greatest joys in my life is watching my children grow up not just hearing about the work I do through *Man Up and Go*, but actively participating in it. It’s a special feeling when your kids don’t just understand what you do but see themselves as a part of it. That’s been the case for me, especially as we’ve launched the *Patros* curriculum.
*Patros*, which means “father” in Greek, is our new digital discipleship tool aimed at equipping men with the wisdom and resources they need to be the men and fathers God calls them to be. It’s a resource designed to close the generational gap we see in today’s culture, where so many boys are growing up without fathers. Too often, the wisdom of fatherhood is not being passed down, leaving entire generations without guidance or role models. Our goal with *Patros* is to change that, not just here in the U.S. but globally, and the beautiful part is that my family is walking this journey with me.
My son, in particular, has really latched on to this mission. He’s been around *Man Up and Go* since he was little, helping out with projects, visiting foster homes, and working alongside me and our team. At one point, he even said, “When I take over Man Up and Go…” That might have been said half-jokingly, but it’s moments like that which show me how deeply ingrained this mission has become in his heart.
Recently, we were driving home from football practice, where I help coach his team, and we were talking about one of the kids who wasn’t having a great day. His attitude was off, and it was clear that something deeper was going on. I asked my son, “What’s up with him?” He responded with something that stopped me in my tracks. He said, “Dad, he doesn’t have a *patros*.” In that moment, my son didn’t just notice his teammate’s bad mood—he understood the underlying issue. He connected the dots that a lack of a father figure in a boy’s life can manifest in so many ways, including a sour attitude at football practice.
That conversation struck me because it showed that my son is not just hearing the words we speak at *Man Up and Go*; he’s internalizing them. He understands the importance of having a father’s guidance and what happens when that’s missing. It’s not just something we talk about on a conceptual level—it’s real, and he’s seeing it firsthand.
My daughter is also involved in her own way. While I don’t take her to some of the all-male events, she often helps out at our *Fourth Friday* events, where we work with foster families. She’s got a big heart, and she’s learning that caring for others is a family affair. It’s not just Dad’s job—it’s something we do together.
At the heart of *Patros* is the idea of passing down wisdom. A true father, according to God’s design, doesn’t just raise his biological children; he invests in others. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 28:19, we are called to “make disciples of all nations.” This includes being a father figure to those who don’t have one, stepping in the gap for the boys and young men who are growing up without that critical influence. My son is catching onto this idea, and it’s inspiring to watch him grow into a young man who understands the weight and importance of fatherhood, even at a young age.
As we launched *Patros*, I’m reminded that this mission is not just mine—it’s our family’s. My kids are growing up seeing the impact of fatherhood, not just in their lives, but in the lives of countless others. I hope that as they continue to walk alongside me, they will carry this mission forward, not because it’s their dad’s work, but because they understand the life-changing power of a father’s love, presence, and wisdom.
Thanks for reading,
Jeff Ford