One of my “fathers in the Lord” used to say that every believer needs a spiritual elder, and every pastor needs a pastor. He lived that out, showing me every day that Jesus was real and that He loved me with words and actions that continue to color my walk with the Lord to this day.

I was never the same.

There is a need in the church for men and women to serve as spiritual fathers and mothers… people who are deeply invested in fostering the spiritual life of others. In an era of unprecedented pain and woundedness, we are surrounded by dear ones who have yet to experience Jesus. To them, He exists as an idea, but not as a very present reality. What does it mean to walk with Him? To be with Him? To hear Him? To follow His lead and to receive His life? To be loved by Him?

We are called to do more than announce these realities… hurting and broken ones need to see these realities in daily interactions and conversations with someone who is “the real deal.”

These are life-defining relationships rooted in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and immersed in an atmosphere of unconditional love… truly safe places in a controlling and manipulative age.

Spiritual parenting… the way disciples are made.

Consider…

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:18

“…we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us… you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers…” ~ 1 Corinthians 4:15

“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” ~ Galatians 4:19