Over the years at Christ For Your City, Ann and I have often found ourselves reflecting on the importance of spiritual fathers and mothers in the life of the Church. Much of what the Lord has allowed us to be part of through this ministry has grown out of simple relationships. Walking with people, praying together, encouraging one another, and helping individuals discover the calling that God has placed on their lives. Through these experiences we have come to see again and again how powerful spiritual fathering and mothering can be in shaping a person’s journey of faith.
The apostle Paul speaks very clearly about this in his letter to the Corinthians. He says that while we may have many instructors in Christ, we do not have many fathers.
This is an important distinction.
An instructor teaches information. A spiritual father or mother imparts life.
Today we live in a time where teaching is widely available. Sermons, podcasts, conferences, books, and teachings can be accessed almost instantly. These resources can be a great blessingand they help strengthen our understanding of the Word of God.
But teaching alone does not replace the power of relationship.
God has always worked through spiritual family.
Throughout scripture we see this pattern repeated. Moses walked closely with Joshua before Joshua stepped into leadership. Elijah poured his life into Elisha. Paul travelled with Timothy, encouraging him and helping him grow in the calling God had placed on his life.
These were not casual relationships. They were relationships built on trust, prayer, and shared life.
Spiritual fathers and mothers carry a different kind of responsibility. Their desire is not to control someone’s life, but to help nurture what God has already placed within them. Often they see potential before the individual sees it themselves.
Over the years, Ann and I have had the privilege of walking alongside many leaders, pastors, and young people who were seeking direction in their faith. Some came with clear vision and confidence. Others came with questions and uncertainty.
In many of those moments, what people needed most was not another teaching. What they needed was someone to walk beside them.
Someone who would listen.
Someone who would pray with them.
Someone who would remind them of God’s faithfulness when discouragement tried to creep in.
This is one of the beautiful things about spiritual fathering and mothering. Much of it happens quietly, often away from public attention. It happens in conversations, in prayer, and in moments where someone simply needs encouragement to keep moving forward.
One of the great joys of ministry is watching someone begin to step into the gifts that God has placed within them. Seeing a young leader grow in faith and confidence is always a reminder that the Kingdom of God continues to move forward from one generation to the next.
At Christ For Your City, this relational approach has always been central to our ministry. Our heart has never simply been to run programs, but to walk with people as they discover God’s destiny for their lives.
When people are encouraged, mentored, and given space to grow, something powerful begins to happen. Faith deepens, vision becomes clearer, and individuals begin to step into the calling God has prepared for them.
If you have had a spiritual father or mother who invested in your life, take a moment to thank God for them. Their prayers and encouragement may have shaped more of your journey than you realize.
And if God has placed younger believers around you who are searching for direction, perhaps the Lord is inviting you to step into that role for someone else.
Often the most powerful ministry happens one life at a time.
A Prayer for You:
Father, we thank You for the way You build Your family through relationships. I pray for each person reading this today. If they are seeking guidance, I ask that You would place wise and loving spiritual fathers and mothers in their path who will encourage them and help them grow in their faith.
And Lord, for those You are calling to invest in the next generation, give them wisdom, patience, and a heart that reflects Your love. May they see the potential You have placed within others and have the courage to speak life, encouragement, and truth.
Continue to strengthen Your Church as we walk together, growing in faith and discovering the purposes You have prepared for each of us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.