{"id":1249,"date":"2024-12-20T19:04:35","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T00:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/leadershiponfire\/?p=1249"},"modified":"2024-12-20T19:09:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T00:09:05","slug":"exploring-the-concept-of-a-spiritual-parent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/leadershiponfire\/2024\/12\/exploring-the-concept-of-a-spiritual-parent\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Concept of a Spiritual Parent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Spiritual parents\u201d are all the rave in some Christian circles. Used to define everything from a spiritual leader, to a mentor, to someone influential in life, \u201cspiritual parent\u201d is applied in different ways. What are spiritual parents, and how are they distinguished from other forms of spiritual leadership? For understanding and clarity, we will explore what a spiritual parent and personal spiritual leader (sometimes called a \u201ccovering\u201d) are \u2013 and their differences.<\/p>\n

\"Minister
Photo by cottonbro studio: https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/tattooed-man-sitting-beside-a-priest-9588482\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spiritual leadership<\/h3>\n

A spiritual leader is someone who, simply put, has authority in the Kingdom of God (church) to lead other people. We understand this in a primary sense to refer to the Ephesians 4:11<\/a> ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. In a different form, the appointments of bishop, elder, and deacon also serve leadership capacities.<\/p>\n

As we recognize spiritual leadership, we also recognize each of these works has its unique operation of spiritual leadership. Not every ministry work or leadership role relates to one of spiritual parentage in the sense it is frequently used, because not every ministry of the church is one that serves for such. While someone may have a spiritual leader, that doesn\u2019t mean one is their spiritual parent.<\/p>\n

For example: Someone might be part of a church, faithful in membership and spiritual relationship. They are not a new believer and this is not their first church. Their spiritual leader, therefore, isn\u2019t a spiritual parent to them, but their personal spiritual leader, sometimes called their \u201ccovering.\u201d<\/p>\n

The concept of covering<\/h3>\n

We don\u2019t use the term \u201ccovering\u201d as much to describe a spiritual leader, for a few reasons. The first is that it\u2019s not directly a Biblical term. The second, some who used it abused it, thus causing people to look upon the term negatively. In its definition, covering describes the type of relationship a spiritual leader has with the one they lead. In a sense, they cover them \u2013 they protect and lead them in the sense of offering spiritual shelter. A spiritual leader should always protect their congregations from the enemy\u2019s wares, inasmuch as they are able to do so. Leaders are commanded to love the people they lead<\/a>, thus connecting the idea of love \u201ccovering many sins\u201d (1 Peter 4:8<\/a>) as found in Scripture, aptly applied to leaders.<\/p>\n

In the simplest language possible, a covering spiritually protects, guides, leads, and instructs another person. They are available for counseling, instruction, and guidance in a way that someone else in church leadership may not. Not all offices of ministry cover, or spiritually lead in this same sense. Apostles, prophets, and pastors serve as \u201ccovering offices: because their work directly relates to different people groups who are part of the Kingdom of God. Evangelists and teachers, while leadership positions, don\u2019t work with people in quite the same way as the others. Bishops, elders, and deacons exist to help apostles and pastors in their work. They also cover others, but not in quite the same way.<\/p>\n

Accountability<\/h3>\n

Spiritual leadership \u2013 especially covering \u2013 also relates to accountability, or one to whom an individual is spiritually accountable. It is usually a founding point where such accountability starts, in an effort to help develop the principle of accountability and responsibility in an individual. It\u2019s a misnomer to think someone is only accountable to a spiritual leader. In Scripture, we are called to be accountable to one another. Thus, we learn about the essence of being accountable for ourselves, first from our leaders, and second, from belonging to the Body of Christ.<\/p>\n

A misunderstood term<\/h3>\n

Many use the term \u201cspiritual father\u201d or \u201cspiritual mother\u201d to refer to someone who is their personal leader (spiritual covering). They use the term due to the relationship they have with their covering \u2013 one much like a parent, based in guidance and direction. They see themselves as accountable to that person, and refer to them by parental terms out of a sense of affection.<\/p>\n

This is not how the term is understood in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 4:15<\/a>, the Apostle Paul states:<\/p>\n

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.<\/em> (KJV)<\/p>\n

Paul clarified that while there would be many people in the church who would be able to teach, there would be few \u201cspiritual parents.\u201d If this is the case, are people using it today incorrectly?<\/p>\n

Founders in the faith<\/h3>\n

The answer to that question is both yes and no \u2013 some are using it properly while others use it incorrectly. The Greek indicates the Apostle Paul was using the term \u201cfathers\u201dto indicate \u201coriginators\u201d of the faith. Recognizing such, this can be used to refer to a few things:<\/p>\n