A Father’s Story on Songs of Praise

The BBC’s Fathers’ Day edition of Songs of Praise featured Chris Kilby, leader of Life Church Southampton as he told his personal story.  Chris responded to a request for testimonies of those with a specific story to tell about being a Dad, and this resulted in two days filming with Pam Rhodes in and around Southampton.

In the interview, Chris spoke of the separation of his parents when he was seven years old. His father left home, and had virtually no contact with Chris while he was growing up. Chris was sent to boarding school and the absence of a father figure in his life impacted him and contributed to a lifestyle of drink and recreational drugs. He became a Christian through his future wife. After he married and had children, he wanted his father to be proud of him and involved in his life, so tried to build a relationship with his dad, but he suddenly died at 55, leaving Chris very angry and bitter towards him. One Sunday in church he heard a sermon about forgiveness, and realised that he needed to forgive his dad, which he did, and has been free to love his memories of him again.

Chris has also had the joy of becoming a dad himself, to two birth children and two adopted children. This is a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. Chris now feels burdened to see young men become good husbands and fathers, which is part of the reason he is planting Life Church Southampton. What a tremendous opportunity to share this testimony with such a vast audience. Let’s pray that many were impacted by what God has done in Chris.