The importance of a spiritual father and mother?

[Jacqueline]

I was watch a program on TBN the other day and someone made a comment that in todays churches we lack true spiritual fathers and mothers. She said that to many pastors and their wifes are busy trying to be your friend or is afraid to be spiritual fathers and mothers because they don't want to up set anyone. I would like to know how important is a spiritual father and mother is because my pastor while his is a good pastor I would never label him as a spiritual father.

God Bless

Jacqueline

[ServingHim]

I HIGHLY recommend THIS book... what an amazing book about 'spiritual devoutness' and 'spiritual guidance'. :il:

[Jacqueline]

Thanks ServingHim. It looks like I can print it out so I'll try to do that.

God Bless

Jacqueline

[shammah]

Here is an ampliphication of Mathew.23: verses 1-12,from research; this is concerning taking on vain titles such as the scribes and pharisees loved. Verse 6-12.Amp.Version , for clearity:

And they take pleasure and love the place of honor at feasts and the best seat in the synagogues, And to be greeted with honor in the marhet place and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi (teacher), for you have one teacher and you are all brothers. And you do not call anyone (in the church) on earth FATHER , for you have one Father who is in heaven! And you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one master (leader), the Christ.

He who is the greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that humble himself shall be exalted. KJV. So the saying that many who are first now will be last, (because they exalt themselves) and many who are last now will be first, (because they serve and humble themselves)! Those people who take to themselves high possitions and titles, the Lord will bring them low; so look for mature but humble edlers, who are gifted, but dont boast, but most of all have the humble fruits of Agape Love!

Love in Christ; Shammah -2.

[tsth]

In terms of "spiritual fathers". Here is the understanding I have received from the Word. It is in essence what Paul refers to in the following letter to the Thessalonians:

1 Thess. 2:7 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 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. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

It is to have a relationship with the flock or a brother, just as you would your own child...........to love them so much, you will tell them the TRUTH, just as would care for your child.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[jamie]

I was watch a program on TBN the other day and someone made a comment that in todays churches we lack true spiritual fathers and mothers. She said that to many pastors and their wifes are busy trying to be your friend or is afraid to be spiritual fathers and mothers because they don't want to up set anyone. I would like to know how important is a spiritual father and mother is because my pastor while his is a good pastor I would never label him as a spiritual father.

God Bless

Jacqueline

Is it even a pastors place to be the whole congregations spiritual father? Is it his wifes place to be the spiritual mother?

I think it's our own individual place to grow and mature in the Lord and share the burden of discipling the young ones in Christ.

Go to God and let the Holy Spirit teach you, if you need spiritual guidance find another believer who is mature and who will spend time with you.