Date of Award

2-2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Larry Day

Second Advisor

Ron Clark

Abstract

Over several decades, societal shifts have dramatically impacted masculinity. One school of thought, hypomasculinity, views men as dominant, controlling, and abusive. Their approach to reforming men is pedagogy. Hypermasculinity—another school of thought—considers culture as domesticating men. Often, they see reform occurring through men’s support groups.

There is an intentional design to domesticate men, making them softer and more manageable. Obviously, there is nothing immoral about desiring the transformation of man. The issue is not the desire but the methodology supporting it. So, how is change to be successfully implemented?

Some churches are offering men support groups. Such groups provide recovery from the common addictions for men: pornography, anger, and chemical dependency. Being relevant issues, these groups are scratching where men itch. Nevertheless, these problems constitute the fruit and not the root of the problem. Again, the approach is pedagogical.

So, how are men to achieve emotional and spiritual health? The assertion of this study is that the active participation of transparency by men, in support groups for men, encourages them to have healthy relationships with God and others. In chapter one, the challenge and scope of the male problem is considered. Chapter two reflects on mankind created in God’s image; the effects of sin on the image of God; and God’s image restored. Chapter Three is a historical review of the New Testament model of spiritual community; its disappearance; and, then, reemergence. Chapter Four examines the effects of domestication, the false self, the false identity, and the father wound on men. What are the approaches that help and hinder them? Chapter Five proposes that support groups can lead men to finding the true self and discovering spiritual community. Chapter six offers suggestions to the Church for reaching men; and, then, developing the emotional and spiritual health of men.

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