AN ESCHATOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF FATHERLESSNESS THROUGH A CHRISTOLOGICAL LENS: EXPLORING IDENTITY, HOPE, AND RESTORATION IN A FATHERLESS GENERATION

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

College

College of Christian Ministries and Religion

Department

Department of Christian Ministries and Religion

Primary Advisor

Dr. Mike Cuckler

Second Advisor

Dr. Landon Galloway

Third Advisor

Dr. Joshua Mayo

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the relationship between fatherlessness across generations and selected indicators of cultural development and social stability in contemporary society. It also evaluates how a local church context may function as a site of intervention to address the relational, emotional, and spiritual consequences associated with father absence. The study is conducted within LIFEchurch in El Paso, Texas, and is situated within theological reflections on sonship, identity, and restoration. The research employed a multi-method descriptive design and utilized a single Qualtrics survey instrument comprising both structured quantitative items and open-ended qualitative questions. Participants were adults affiliated with the LIFEchurch community. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations to discern patterns between father presence status and self-reported outcomes, including emotional distress, identity insecurity, relational trust, and perceptions of God as Father. Qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis to identify recurring interpretive patterns concerning personal experience, coping mechanisms, resilience, and healing. The findings indicate that fatherlessness, encompassing physical absence, emotional unavailability, and inconsistent paternal presence, is correlated with adverse outcomes in areas such as identity formation, attachment, emotional well-being, and interpersonal functioning. The qualitative results further reveal that participants frequently interpret these effects within relational and spiritual frameworks. The study concludes that church-based communities can serve as significant environments for support, identity rebuilding, and restorative care for individuals impacted by fatherlessness.

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