Comments on: The Spiritual Father

By: Marfiza

Marfiza — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 01:51:16 +0000

Hi, I’m from Brazil and here this term “Spiritual Father” started been used some months ago. At first time I heard this expression (for a south-African pastor) I thought I was merely strange, because I’ve learned that our Spiritual Father were our ministry. I’m learning about it know and I don’t understand the meaning of this expression in a deep way. I would like to know who could be my Spiritual Father so, since I don’t know anyone that would like to teach me more about the gospel and take care of my spiritual life.

By: ramona vasquez

ramona vasquez — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:58:21 +0000

Question can a man be a spiritual father to women? What is gospel, on this. I know someone who is a spiritual father to women.

By: Pastor Thomas Opiyo

Pastor Thomas Opiyo — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:18:49 +0000

Hey men and women of God, How are you doing? I am a desperate minister looking for a mentor and a spiritual father. I have served under many ministers here in Kenya,but none has ever taken me as a son. I feel the vacuum in me that I need a father. I am currently the presiding pastor of Divine Order Global Empowerment Ministries(D.O.G.E.M) here in Kenya, A YOUNG MINISTRY which will be celebrating the third year since its innovative come 28th, November, 2010. We are currently having 50 adult members and 38 young members. I understand the power of having a father, but I have never met a father in my life. I am married to one wife through a wedding which took place on 6th, August 2005 and we are blessed with two sons.
Any willing man or woman of God, should contact me on the above mentioned email address. To more more about our church, please visit our above mentioned website.
God bless all who will read this.
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Thomas & Hellen Opiyo

By: C Brown

C Brown — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:11:01 +0000

And here is the scripture to back it up. It is in Red so Jesus said it!
Matthew 23:9
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

By: C Brown

C Brown — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:56:52 +0000

I do not agree with using the term Spiritual Father and Mother.
To me God is the only Spiritual Father! All other are Spiritual Mentors.

By: Vincent Shaw

Vincent Shaw — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:17:42 +0000

For anyone who is interested in learning more about spiritual parenthood, Larry Kreider (author of the book “How to fulfill your calling as a spiritual father or mother”) will conduct a seminar on 10/2 & 10/3 at New Life Christian Center (1891 Alton Parkway #C, Irvine, CA 92606)

For more details:

http://www.dcfi.org/Spiritual_Parenting_Sem_List.htm

By: Fr. James Coles

Fr. James Coles — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:54:09 +0000

The Eastern Orthodox Church has a long tradition of Spiritual Fathers. I posted a long article just today about The Spiritual father in Orthodox Christianity by Bishop Kallistos Ware. Enjoy! http://frjamescoles.wordpress.com/2009/08/18/the-spiritual-father-in-orthodox-christianity-by-bishop-kallistos-ware/

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:37:41 +0000

I have had a spiritual mother. I’m not sure where, exactly, I heard the term from but I will give it to the Lord. I believe it to be wise for everyone to have mentors or a spiritual parent. It is someone that you know holds a deeper walk with the Lord than where you are. THey can guide you and teach you so much as you become a Christian grounded on solid rock. Much like mentors but I think this parent(s) actually has more of an active part in your walk.

I don’t, in any way, think this person takes the place of your parents but they are spiritually guided by your heavenly father to watch over you. I could see where a long term relationship would be beneficial. In my experience, there came a time that my spiritual mother (Elizabeth Dungan) was so called in to ministry that my Heavenly Father (GOD) told me it was time for me to let her go and for me to stand with Him. She will forever be called my spiritual mother… but know it is my God that is my ‘daddy’!

By: al Valdez

al Valdez — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:31:19 +0000

Awesome post Craig. I grew up in movement that I continue to lead in that is very strong in regards to the “family” concept when it comes to ministry. Our values are set in 3 C’s: Community, Cause & Corporation. The community aspect is made effective through powerful relationship building, especially through discipleship. It is true, that many of these people do not have natural fathers or have come from divided families & and have found love in the church family which has produced a powerful loyalty. However, the family aspect remains strong because of the sending churches strong tie to the baby church that is sent out. That church is literally nurtured and cared for as a baby would be until that congregation can get on its feet and walk in its own strength. many of those pastors have continued to rely on each other as time goes on and have found a richness in Christ through their relationship with each other. Very powerful stuff, in my honest opinion.

By: Ohamie

Ohamie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:26:59 +0000

I am from Puerto Rico and I have Spiritual mothers and fathers since my childhood. Here is my commentary based on the Scriptures.

Philippians 1:1-11
I.- The Spiritual Father/Mother intercedes for his son (vv.3-5).

1.- The Spiritual Father remember (has memory)of his son(v. 3).

2.- The Spiritual father/mother have his children included in his/her prayers.(vv.3, 4).

3.- The Spiritual father/mother pray for the spiritual’ growth of their children(v. 5 a).

II.- The Spiritual father/mother encourages the spiritual growth of his children (v. 6).

1.- The Spiritual father/mother stimulates the faith of their children (v. 6).

2.- The Spiritual father/mother reveals to their children the mystery of the transformation’ process of God in every human being (v. 6).

“…that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion …”

3.- The Spiritual Father/mother shares his/her convictions of Faith to their children (v. 6).

III.- The Spiritual father/mother do not neglect his/her responsability as a father/ mother (vv.7-11).

1.- Under no circumstances the Spiritual father/ mother never neglects their children (v. 7).

2.- The Spiritual father/mother demonstrates with their thoughts and acts a legitimate love for their children (v. 8).

3.- The Spiritual father/mother cry out for the christian life’ growth of their children (v. 9).

4.- The Spiritual father/mother prays for their children’s ability to distinguish the good desicions and necessary fidelity that only cames through Jesus Christ (vv.10, 11).

By: Jay Wallar

Jay Wallar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:03:59 +0000

I think the importance of spiritual father’s cannot be understated. As a young senior pastor, “26 to be exact”, the value of meeting with spiritual men and women of God who can help guide you in the right direction is so pivotal to being successful in ministry.

Being allowed to see spiritual father’s mistakes and successes allows the younger minister to learn, sometimes simply by observation.

As Paul said, You have many teachers…but few father’s…

Teacher’s preach a sermon, father’s live the sermon. They don’t teach it, they live it…in the good times and in the bad!

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:58:23 +0000

Ralph, what do your friends do with 1st Timothy..1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.

By: ToddB

ToddB — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:07:50 +0000

The term is not used but the idea of a father/son mother/daughter discipling relationship is. For years I’ve had a “Paul/Timothy relationship” with a man who has been a prayer warrior for me and spiritual mentor. Now I have the opportunity to be on the other side of that relationship. One young man is half way through college the other high school but watching them grow spiritually is an awesome thing.

By: Alan Meyers

Alan Meyers — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:42:47 +0000

Thank you for this article, I need to recognize my spiritual father and I am sorting out what it will look like. We need this, it is not a time for complacency.
Pastor Alan

By: Judy Gregory

Judy Gregory — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:15:22 +0000

I think some of it’s cultural and some denominational. I spiritually grew up in an Indiana United Methodist church where you never heard the term. Now that I’m in an Atlanta AG church, you hear it all the time. While the denominational switch up has left my head spinning at times, it’s definitely one of the things I appreciate. It’s great to be able to call someone your spiritual father or mother, but even cooler when they call you their spiritual son or daughter, especially for those who might not have had great biological parents. Working in youth ministry, I’ve watched a kid’s entire demeanor change when they can affectionately call someone mom or dad…and have them call them son or daughter. Not that it’s the goal, but interesting nonetheless.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:40:41 +0000

Love this and the way it has made me think about those whom I would say are spiritual Fathers to me. Thanks for sharing!

By: Ralph

Ralph — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:23:34 +0000

I concur with the great need for men to father others, in a culture where there are almost no fathers, except in the biological sense. This term found use in the desert period 350-450, and has a strong tradition in orthodoxy. My evangelical friends, however, recite Jesus’ admonition to call no man “father,” MT 23:9 as a reason to avoid this usage. My take is that Jesus, having placed this in a string of “woes” was speaking against the arrogant Pharisees, who placed the relation to their rabbi or father ahead of their relationship to God—much as little boys claim that their big brother will beat you and your big brother up if you don’t do what they want. Are there others who have an answer to MT 23:9 in reference to spiritual fathers?

By: Ardy

Ardy — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:02:15 +0000

IMHO, I seldom heard that in our church for we believe that it is always God who should take the credit. Although we have men in our church who encourage us to grow more in faith and edify us when we’re somehow down spiritually. However, I think it will be just ok to have a spiritual father as long as you trust Jesus Christ alone more than anybody else.

By: Alan Stoddard

Alan Stoddard — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:17:39 +0000

I have served in an African-American church for 5 years. For 2 years as the evangelism pastor, 3 years as the executive pastor. I’m anglo. The term “spiritual father” is used often, especially among preachers.

As I entered the African-American community, I realized I needed to up my game. I had a mentor who I consider a spiritual father, Dr. Daryl Eldridge of http://www.rockbridgeseminary.com. But now, my pastor, Dwight McKissic has become a spiritual father or spiritual big brother to me. Also, the legendary (served with EV Hill, Bill Bright, EK Bailey) Dr. Lloyd C. Blue has become a spiritual father. For example, “Mondays are for mentoring.” I spend 2-3 hours with Blue just telling me, and asking me about life and ministry.

I took the initiative to seek these “spiritual fathers” out. Their influence in my life is not measurable. Why don’t we do this “spiritual fathering” in Anglo settings? One reason is we are not willing to give people the time required to disciple people.

Great topic.

By: ken williams

ken williams — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:08:10 +0000

I have a spiritual father who has been a guide in my life, an encourager, corector, imparter, but most of all a spiritual covering for me. He gives me a connection to a family of believers and a sense of belonging especially when you pastor a non-demoninational church it gives you accountability.
Read a book by Dr. Mark Hamby “You have not many Fathers” it’s the first book I read about the subject and it’s very powerful and anointed. And for those of you who have no “spiritual father” in your life began seeking God as to who you can “submit” yourself to so that increase of spiritual things can take place in your life.