We were in a meeting recently as a family. My children noticed that the members of that Church were calling the Pastor/General Overseer, Papa. So they asked me; “Why are they calling their pastor, Papa?” I responded; “It’s because he’s their spiritual father.” I guess they understood my answer because they did not ask me further question.

FRIEND, THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT SPIRITUAL FATHERING. It does not matter how people have bastardized fathering in our generation, the bible is still clear about this kingdom truth and we need to pay attention. Fathering is a spiritual position that is biblical and still relevant till date. JESUS CALLED GOD HIS FATHER WHILE ON EARTH (Luke 2:49, John 5:17).

Paul referred to himself as the spiritual father of the Corinthian and Galatian Churches (1 Corinthians 4:15, Galatians 4:19). He had such a jurisdiction with them in the spirit and in the calling. He could speak with authority over them. He could counsel and correct them. HE PROVIDED AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR THEIR GROWTH AND FULFILMENT (1 Corinthians 4:14).

Some people referred to someone who got you saved as a spiritual father. But spiritual fathering is more than just getting someone saved. A SPIRITUAL FATHER IS ONE WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN A CALLING AND RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP YOU GROW IN THE THINGS OF GOD AND PREPARE OR GUIDE YOU TO FULFIL YOUR DESTINY (1 Timothy 4:12-16, 2 Timothy 1:6-7). Spiritual fathering is a destiny matter, not just branding.

I WAS TAUGHT EARLY IN LIFE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT GO TO A CHURCH WHERE YOU CANNOT RECEIVE THE PASTOR AS A FATHER. It is however unfortunate that most pastors don’t play the role of a father over their congregation. This is why Church folks go here and there looking for counsels and covering (Jeremiah 3:15). A LOT OF CHURCH MEMBERS DO NOT ALSO RECEIVE THEIR PASTOR AS A FATHER, DUE TO IGNORANCE.

A spiritual father is a feeder, trainer, coach, cover, ladder, a joint in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16). He is someone to whom you are accountable (Esther 4:14-16, Hebrews 13:17). A LIFE WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY IS A LIFE THAT WON’T COUNT AND WILL SOON CRASH. Fathering is a calling, not a title. It is not about being gifted. Most gifted people are not fathers. WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR FATHER, YOU HAVE AN IDENTITY BUT WHEN YOUR FATHER KNOWS YOU, YOU HAVE AN INHERITANCE (Matthew 3:17, 17:5, 1 Corinthians 4:17).

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria