Facilitating a Change of Mind About Father God Through Mentoring of the Fatherless
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY FACILITATING A CHANGE OF MIND ABOUT FATHER GOD THROUGH MENTORING OF THE FATHERLESS A Thesis Project Submitted to The faculty of Liberty University School of Divinity in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Ministry by Stephen J. Madosky Lynchburg, Virginia December, 2015 ii Copyright © 2015 by Stephen J. Madosky I. All Rights Reserved ii iii Liberty University School of Divinity Thesis Project Approval Sheet ______________________________ Dr. Charlie Davidson Director of Doctor of Ministry Program Mentor ______________________________ Dr. David Hirschman Associate Professor of Religion Reader iii iv DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to the most influential people in my life. First off to my grandmothers, Mary Madosky, who prayed for my soul every day of my life and successfully prayed myself and many of her children and grandchildren into the Kingdom. To my grandmother Mary Sciscio (Logan) who showed me the love of Christ in the way she lived out her unconditional commitment to me over her still thriving ninety-five years of life. To my parents, (George and Barbara), who gave me life and many opportunities to experience success. To my wife (Teri) aka saint Theresa, who made me a father and encouraged me to be the best father I could for my kid’s sakes. To my children who have shown unwavering dedication to each other and to myself throughout my belated higher education endeavors and who have encourage me throughout this entire process. I love you with all my heart and I am proud to dedicate this work on fatherlessness to each of you; Lauren, Grace, Stephen II, Alexandria, Victoria, and Angelina. iv v ABSTRACT FACILITATING A CHANGE OF MIND ABOUT FATHER GOD THROUGH MENTORING OF THE FATHERLESS. Stephen J. Madosky I Liberty University School of Divinity 2015 Mentor Dr. Charles Davidson The consensus of published research has proven beyond question that fatherlessness is a crisis in America. Textbooks and autobiographies have covered and reported the statistical effects of fatherlessness; nonetheless, there is far less literature dealing with the solution of fatherlessness and even less literature from Church scholars on how the Church may participate in its correction. This thesis presents an understanding of fatherlessness and proposes a resolution to act on behalf of fatherless children. The resolution will be comprised in preparing Church leaders to equip Church laity to understand and to minister to the fatherless in their affliction effectively. Word Count: 100 v vi TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................. viii ILLUSTRATIONS.................................................................................................................... ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................1 Statement of Importance and Purpose of Research...................................................................1 Statement of the Problem and Limitations ...............................................................................4 Theoretical Basis .....................................................................................................................4 Statement of Methodology ......................................................................................................6 Review of Literature ................................................................................................................8 Review of Scripture ............................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 2 FATHERLESSNESS ........................................................................................... 28 The State of Fatherlessness .................................................................................................... 28 The Biblical View of Fatherhood........................................................................................... 40 Consequences of Fatherlessness ............................................................................................ 47 The Church and James 1:27 ................................................................................................... 54 Summary ............................................................................................................................... 58 CHAPTER 3 THE RESEARCH SURVEY ............................................................................... 61 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 61 Hypothesis ............................................................................................................................ 62 Approach .............................................................................................................................. 62 Research Results: Questions/Matrix ...................................................................................... 63 Data Presentation .................................................................................................................. 66 Summary ............................................................................................................................... 81 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF DATA ................................................................... 83 Demographics ....................................................................................................................... 83 Understanding ....................................................................................................................... 84 Preparedness ......................................................................................................................... 85 Ministry ................................................................................................................................ 87 Summary Interpretation of Findings ...................................................................................... 89 CHAPTER 5 THE MINISTRY ................................................................................................. 94 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 94 vi vii Lesson One: Understanding Fatherlessness............................................................................ 94 Lesson Two: Rapport ............................................................................................................ 99 Lesson Three: Mentoring Authenticity ................................................................................ 103 Lesson Four: Self-Worth: You Have Value in Father God ................................................... 107 Lesson Five: Salvation ........................................................................................................ 113 Lesson Six: Discipling ......................................................................................................... 118 Summary ............................................................................................................................. 124 CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................. 125 APPENDIX A Heart of the Church ......................................................................................... 130 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................... 147 vii viii LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1 Response Breakdowns ............................................................................................... 63 viii ix ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 3.1 Q2: Geography ......................................................................................................... 67 Figure 3.2 Q3: Regional Location ............................................................................................. 68 Figure 3.3 Q6: Size of Church ................................................................................................... 68 Figure 3.4 Q12: Education Level ............................................................................................... 69 Figure 3.5 Q13: Severity of Fatherlessness ................................................................................ 70 Figure 3.6 Q15: Experience ....................................................................................................... 71 Figure 3.7 Q20: Causes ............................................................................................................. 72 Figure 3.8 Q21: Effects ............................................................................................................. 72 Figure 3.9 Q23 and Q24: Motivations ....................................................................................... 73 Figure 3.10 Q29 and Q30: Preparedness .................................................................................... 74 Figure 3.11 Q35 and Q36: Mentoring and Church Interest......................................................... 75 Figure 3.12 Q37: Prisoner Programs .........................................................................................