Project – EFFECT OF BROKEN HOME ON CHILDREN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background study

The effect of a broken home on children is a subject of significant concern, particularly in Christian communities where family integrity is often viewed as a central tenet of faith and social life. A “broken home,” generally understood as a family structure disrupted by divorce, separation, or other forms of familial discord, can have far-reaching emotional, psychological, and social consequences for children. Research consistently shows that children from broken homes are at higher risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, depression, academic struggles, and social difficulties (Amato, 2001). These children may also face a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and early sexual activity (Demo & Acock, 1996). The disruption of family dynamics often results in a lack of emotional stability, which can have long-term effects on the child’s mental health and overall life outcomes.

Within the Christian community, the implications of broken homes are felt on both a personal and a congregational level. The Christian faith places a strong emphasis on the sanctity of marriage, and many congregations seek to uphold traditional family structures as a cornerstone of Christian living. However, the reality of broken homes challenges the church to respond in ways that offer both support and healing to affected families. Research suggests that Christian communities often provide vital social networks that can buffer the negative effects of family breakdowns (Lau & Chiu, 2014). Through pastoral care, counseling services, and community support groups, churches can play a pivotal role in helping children and families navigate the challenges of separation or divorce. Christian teachings on forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace can offer hope and healing to those struggling with the consequences of family disruption.

Broken marriage may well be one of the major problems facing the Church today. Ordinarily, an ideal marriage will remain united, undivided, and unbroken. This is the plan written by the mind of the Creator when He gave Eve to Adam as his permanent partner in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:24). Apostel Paul expressed the same view, when he recalled Christ’s prohibition of divorce:

To those, now married, however, I give this command (though it is not mine, it is the Lord’s) a wife must not separate from her husband. If she does separate, she must either remain single or become reconciled to him again. Similarly, a husband must not divorce his wife. (1 Cor. 7: 10-11)

This passage demonstrates that divorce is undesirable, and should not be permitted in the Christian communities. All efforts must be made to encourage couples to stay together or get back together, even when they have separated. However, the intention of this study is not to provide a solution to the social problems caused by marriage and divorce. Rather, the purpose of this study is to place the problem of marriage and divorce in a proper context with respect to the Foursquare Gospel Church, Mupin, Ota, Ogun State. Broken marriage  connote the division or the separation of parent who have been together and suddenly divorce or terminated their relationship or untie the once agreed marriage knot after exchanging material vows and have lived together. Marriage is an institution that play very important role in the upbringing and the development of human beings, marriage is the joining together of two matured people who agree to spend their lifetime together. Thus taking joint care or responsibility over their children who are the fruits of the union. Marriage aids the realization of many basic individual needs such as the need for status. Companionship, procreation and the need to fulfilling sexual intimacy and satisfaction.

In fact the institution is gradually losing its standard value as statistics show that it is fast diminishing as many homes are broken. The problem of single parenthood is far alarming in our society and the explanations for broken marriage include among other thongs cheerlessness, parental interference, religious conflicts, poverty and poor mutual understanding. The Christian marriage is not just a mere marriage. Christian marriage is unique, and has been instituted by Christ as a Sacrament. Therefore, this indicates that any Christian marriage should reflect the mind of Christ. Above all, Christian marriage is indissoluble, and is guided by conjugal love. For this reason, it is important for yet to be Christian spouses to be fully and adequately instructed to the teachings of the Church.

Married Christian couples publicly agreed before the church to remain husband and wife for better or for worse, to remain faithful, and above all to love each other as Christ loves His Church. In marriage, two partners become one flesh, a concept that is predicated by love. The couples ought to love each other in Christ-like love. This love is boundless; it was for the love Christ had for the world that He was able to die for our sins. Christ remains the head of the Church, and He loves the church unconditionally. In a similar manner, the husband is considered the head of the family, and should love his wife and family unconditionally. However, the husband should not lord his headship over the wife, but must love and provide for the family. The husband should be prepared to give his entire life for his wife and children. He should work for them. However, this type of self-sacrifice can only be possible where conjugal love exists and prevails.

Nonetheless, the implications of a broken home in Christian contexts can also be complicated by stigma and judgment. While many churches are sources of compassion, others may inadvertently exacerbate feelings of shame and exclusion among single-parent families or children from divorced homes. Christian communities must find ways to balance upholding the biblical ideals of marriage and family with offering unconditional love and support to those affected by family breakdowns. This balance is essential for creating a church environment that is both faithful to its doctrinal beliefs and compassionate toward those in need. Ultimately, the challenge for the Christian community is to remain a beacon of hope and healing, helping children of broken homes find their place in the body of Christ, and offering them a sense of belonging and support in the midst of their struggles (Harris, 2015).

• Statement Of The Problem

The impact of broken homes on children has become an increasingly prominent issue in contemporary society, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for emotional, psychological, and social development. A “broken home” refers to a family structure that has been disrupted by divorce, separation, or other forms of family breakdown, leading to the destabilization of the child’s primary caregiving environment. This situation is particularly complex for children who are still in formative stages of their emotional and cognitive development. In recent decades, studies have consistently shown that children from broken homes are at a heightened risk for a variety of negative outcomes, such as emotional distress, behavioral issues, and academic challenges. These issues are not only personal but also have broader societal implications, including the erosion of social capital, increased reliance on social services, and long-term intergenerational consequences.

The Christian community, which upholds the sanctity of marriage and family life as central to its theology and practices, is facing a critical challenge in addressing the consequences of broken homes. Divorce, family separation, and single-parent households are increasingly common, even among Christian families. This presents a tension between the idealized vision of family life promoted in Scripture and the realities of modern family dynamics. The problem is compounded by the church’s often ambivalent response to these issues, where there is a need for both compassion and doctrinal fidelity. While many churches provide valuable support systems for single-parent families or children from broken homes, there is also a risk of stigmatization and exclusion. Children from divorced families may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or alienation, while parents may face judgment from their faith community, further exacerbating the emotional burden on both.

The implications of broken homes extend far beyond the immediate family, affecting children in profound ways. Psychological research has consistently demonstrated that children from disrupted homes are more likely to experience mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. For instance, studies indicate that the absence of a father figure, which is often a result of divorce or separation, can lead to issues of identity, aggression, and poor social adjustment in children, particularly boys (Amato, 2001). The emotional and psychological toll of growing up in a broken home is also reflected in poorer academic performance and higher dropout rates. These children may struggle with feelings of insecurity and lack of support, which can hinder their ability to develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience. As such, the children of broken homes are at a greater risk of perpetuating the cycle of family breakdown and social instability, reinforcing generational patterns of distress.

In addition to individual challenges, broken homes often disrupt the social fabric of communities, particularly within the Christian church, where family units are seen as foundational to both spiritual life and communal stability. Churches have long been places of support for families, yet the rising incidence of divorce and family instability forces religious institutions to adapt their ministries. While some churches have responded by offering counseling and support services, others may not fully understand the depth of the problem or the unique challenges faced by children from broken homes. The church’s ability to provide a safe space for healing is often limited by traditional doctrines on marriage and divorce, which can create tension between offering pastoral care and maintaining doctrinal integrity. The lack of appropriate resources and understanding within Christian communities can leave affected children and families feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported, leading to further emotional distress.

From a theological standpoint, many Christian communities struggle to reconcile the teachings of Scripture on marriage and family with the realities of family breakdown. While Christianity upholds the ideal of marriage as a lifelong commitment, divorce rates within the church often mirror those of the general population. The challenge for Christian communities is not only to provide spiritual care for those affected by broken homes but also to offer a comprehensive, compassionate response that acknowledges the complexities of modern family dynamics. Churches need to create an environment where children from broken homes are not stigmatized but are instead supported and encouraged to find healing through the community of faith. This requires a shift toward greater pastoral sensitivity and the development of more inclusive, therapeutic models of ministry.

The broader implications of broken homes within the Christian context also highlight the need for proactive educational and preventative efforts. Churches have an opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting healthy relationships, offering marriage enrichment programs, and teaching conflict resolution skills to couples before they reach the point of separation or divorce. Additionally, faith-based initiatives aimed at strengthening family units and providing support for single-parent families are essential in mitigating the negative impact of family breakdown on children. By engaging in these efforts, Christian communities can work to reduce the prevalence of broken homes while also providing a supportive environment for those who are affected. However, this will require both a reevaluation of traditional pastoral approaches and an investment in resources that address the multifaceted needs of children from disrupted homes.

In conclusion, the problem of broken homes and its impact on children is multifaceted and demands a nuanced response, especially within Christian communities. As families face increasing pressures from societal, emotional, and economic factors, the role of the church in providing support and guidance is more critical than ever. A comprehensive response from Christian communities that combines doctrinal faithfulness with pastoral compassion and practical support is essential for mitigating the negative consequences of broken homes on children. Churches must be proactive in offering resources, fostering inclusivity, and providing healing to affected families, while also addressing the root causes of family breakdown. Only through these combined efforts can the Christian community hope to alleviate the challenges faced by children from broken homes and help them achieve wholeness and stability in their lives.

1.3          Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of broken home on children and its implications in Christian community. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the effect of broken homes in among children in Christian Community
2. To examine what causes broken homes in among children in Christian Community
3. To examine the consequences of broken homes in among children in Christian Community

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the effect of broken homes in among children in Christian Community?
2. What are the causes broken homes in among children in Christian Community?
3. What are the consequences of broken homes in among children in Christian Community?

1.5. Research Hypotheses

The hypothetical statement of the study are buttressed below:

• There is no significant effect of broken homes in among children in Christian Community
• There is no significant effect of causes broken homes in among children in Christian Community
• There is no significant effect of consequences of broken homes in among children in Christian Community

1.6. Significance of the study

The study of the effects of broken homes on children is highly significant, particularly when viewed through the lens of the Christian community, which places a strong emphasis on family unity and the moral and spiritual development of children. The family is considered the foundational institution in Christianity, designed by God as a place of love, support, and nurturing. Understanding how the disruption of this institution—such as through divorce, separation, or abandonment—affects children is crucial for both the emotional and spiritual health of the next generation. The study highlights the need to address the long-term psychological, social, and spiritual impacts that children from broken homes face, offering insights for Christian communities on how to respond to these challenges in ways that promote healing and resilience.

Children raised in broken homes often face a variety of challenges, including emotional instability, feelings of abandonment, and issues related to their self-esteem and identity. The breakdown of the family unit can lead to feelings of neglect, confusion, and insecurity, which can manifest in behavioral problems and poor academic performance. In the Christian context, these emotional and psychological scars may also affect a child’s relationship with God, as they struggle to reconcile the idea of a loving Heavenly Father with their experience of familial brokenness. This study is significant because it explores how these effects manifest in children and offers a framework for Christian communities to understand and intervene in these issues, with an emphasis on spiritual healing and emotional restoration.

Another key significance of this study lies in its potential to guide church leaders, parents, and educators in providing appropriate pastoral care and support for children from broken homes. Christian teachings emphasize forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption, and the church can play a pivotal role in providing a safe and supportive environment where children can heal. By examining the unique challenges faced by these children, the study can help Christian communities develop programs, counseling services, and mentorship opportunities that offer a holistic approach to restoration—one that addresses both the emotional and spiritual needs of the children affected by broken homes.

Furthermore, the study can also bring awareness to the broader implications of broken homes within the Christian community, including its impact on church attendance, family dynamics, and the overall health of the congregation. As families continue to face challenges related to divorce, separation, or single parenthood, the ripple effects can reach into the fabric of church life, influencing community participation, relationships, and outreach efforts. This research is significant because it underscores the importance of creating inclusive church environments that cater to the needs of broken families and provide resources to help both parents and children navigate the difficulties they face.

The implications of this study also extend to the role of Christian education in shaping children’s worldview and character development. Christian schools and Sunday schools, as extensions of the church community, are in a unique position to support children from broken homes by providing a stable, nurturing environment that fosters both academic and spiritual growth. This research can guide educators in tailoring their approaches to address the specific emotional and psychological needs of children affected by familial disruption, incorporating biblical teachings on healing, forgiveness, and hope as part of the curriculum. In doing so, Christian educational institutions can help children from broken homes form a strong, faith-based foundation for their future lives.

Lastly, the study’s significance is amplified by its potential to foster deeper conversations within the Christian community about the value of marriage, the sanctity of the family, and the importance of preventive measures to preserve family unity. By examining the impact of broken homes, the study can stimulate a renewed focus on strengthening marriages and families within the church through pre-marital counseling, family ministries, and community-building efforts. In this way, the research not only addresses the immediate needs of children from broken homes but also serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about family life and Christian discipleship, ultimately contributing to the long-term health and vitality of the Christian community.

1.7       Scope of the study

This research work focused specifically on the effect of broken home on children and its implications in Christian community with focus on Foursquare, Mopin being a case study. It also covers the probable resolutions to this great challenge. Even though the research is based on the local church, as a casr study, yet the outcome, implications and recommendations are beneficial not only to the Christian community  within the zone but also the non-churched families in general.

1.8       Research procedure

The research procedure of this project involved library research, reference to books, Bible, Dictionary, internet materials, online books, e-books, Wikipedia, past works of authors, Journals, Past project research as they relate to causes of broken home and effects on the church. Covenant University Library was also visited for library research. The field work includes the use of oral interviews of some individuals, groups and pastorate of Foursquare Gospel Church, Mupin Zonal Headquarter and some families in the church.

Oral interview was conducted, some questions covering aspect of research topics were used for collecting information. Questionnaires were carefully selected to obtain the correct and right information.

1.9       Limitation of the study

In the process of this research, many challenges confronted the reseacher as constraints toward the achievement of this work, the constraints include but not limited to:

1. Some questionnaires were not return to the researcher
2. Language barrier is a big challenge because some respondents were unable to interpret the question correctly
3. Some individual refused to answer the questions correctly in order to keep their secret.
4. Some respondents choose to ignore completely

In spite of all these limitations, the researcher tried to produce  a valuable project.

1.10. Operational Definition of Terms

  Effect: In this context, the term “effect” refers to the consequences or outcomes that arise from a particular cause or event. It pertains to the changes, influences, or responses that occur in individuals, groups, or systems as a result of a specific situation. In the study of broken homes, the effect focuses on the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual impacts that children experience as a result of the disruption or breakdown of the family unit.

  Broken Home: A “broken home” refers to a family structure in which the parents are separated, divorced, or have otherwise fractured relationships, leading to the absence of a traditional two-parent household. This can also include situations where one or both parents are absent due to death, abandonment, or other factors that result in a disruption of the nuclear family. The term “broken home” is often used to describe the negative implications of such a family situation, particularly on the children involved.

  Children: In this context, children refers to individuals who are in the early stages of development, typically under the age of 18, who are still reliant on their parents or guardians for care and guidance. Children, particularly those in their formative years, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of family instability. The term focuses on how their emotional, mental, and spiritual development can be influenced by the dynamics within their home environment, especially in the case of a broken home.

  Christian Community: The Christian community refers to the collective group of people who identify as Christians, typically organized around local churches or denominations. It includes not only the congregation but also the broader network of individuals and institutions that share in the faith and teachings of Christianity. The Christian community often plays a role in supporting individuals through challenges, offering spiritual guidance, fellowship, and emotional support. Within the context of this study, it refers to how the Christian faith and church communities respond to issues like broken homes, offering healing, support, and resources to help individuals, especially children, navigate their difficulties in light of Christian values and teachings.

Project – EFFECT OF BROKEN HOME ON CHILDREN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY