Everyone Needs a Father
Published: April 2005
In near record time, a new Pope has been selected by the conclave of Cardinals at the Vatican in Rome. Pope Benedict XVII was chosen just two days into the deliberations of the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. We continue to pray that this man will lead the millions of catholic believers around the world with sound Biblical doctrine and continue to uphold, like his predecessor, high moral standards with a sacred respect for human life. We also pray that every Catholic will be born again and put their trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation.
Everyone needs a father figure. People around the world are rejoicing at the presentation of this esteemed leader, the "Holy Father" of the Catholic Church, from which Catholics and Protestants alike can learn this important principle. The Apostle Paul says, though we have many "instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers" (1 Cor. 4:15).
Protestant theology makes room for spiritual fathers. The five fold ministries (Eph. 4:11) are to exemplify fatherhood while helping to raise spiritual children. Apostles, for example, are to be spiritual fathers to other pastors, aiding them in planting and developing healthy churches. Everyone needs a father.
In every local church, the pastor should be esteemed as a spiritual father to his people. Many, through the pastor's ministry or oversight, have come to Christ and been born again under his leadership. They were born in to the family of God and now have a spiritual father, pastor and shepherd to help watch over their lives (Heb. 13:17).
In the family of God, there are, of course, many spiritual fathers with which the individual believer can personally relate. These "fathers" (and we include "mothers") of the faith, are of indispensable value in helping to mentor and guide by their godly example and modeling of the lifestyle of faith.
Fatherhood is one of the greatest responsibilities on earth. Being a father to a new little life is a great charge before God. It is both the Lord's reward and the Lord's training ground. I suspect no man is ready to be a father when that first baby arrives but we soon grow into it and find it a place of grand fulfillment.
The Bible says the glory of little children is their fathers. It also tells us that the glory of old men is their children's children (Prov. 17:6). Being a grandparent is fabulous and rewarding. To see your children mature and raise their own children is a reward beyond words.
So it is in the family of God, when a Pastor sees his congregation help birth new souls into the Kingdom and disciple them into the ways of Christ, he is most fulfilled and rewarded. Everyone needs a Father!