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Final Words

SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD
(For Pastors)

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 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. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 Cor 4:14-17

Normally, when we talk about spiritual fatherhood in the Body of Christ today, we are talking about leading someone to the Lord, or "birthing" them into the Kingdom of God. While this definition can be considered accurate in some ways, it leaves much to be desired.

In the natural, if a man is responsible for impregnating a woman, when she gives birth, he is technically a "father." But, we all look down on someone who only acts as a "sperm donor" and doesn't take care of the children that he is responsible for. We look at fatherhood as being much more than simply providing a seed for the birth process.

The Bible backs up this concept:

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Tim 5:8

If that is true for the natural realm, how much more so is it for the spiritual realm? Just as natural children need a father to protect them, teach them, provide for them, and bless them, spiritual children need protection, training, provision and blessing.

Actually, the concept of spiritual fatherhood is an ancient concept, going back at least as far as Moses. It is part of God's master plan for the training of ministry leadership. With it, we can see the next generation go on to new and greater heights with the Lord. Without it, we will watch as they build the same foundation, and make the same mistakes that we have spent our lives doing.

In fact, our modern concept of leadership training is greatly lacking in the fact that we aren't fathering our next generation of spiritual leaders. I will explain through this study what we are missing by not using this concept, and what can happen when we return to this biblical manner of training.

First of all, when we send our future leaders to bible school, and expect that to prepare them for the ministry, we are fostering a "religious" attitude. But, the Bible makes it clear that Christianity isn't a religion, it's a relationship with the living God, established through His Son.

If our "faith" is about a relationship with God, and we are leaving out relationship in our training process, we are veering away from a biblical understanding of who our God is. To put that a little plainer, we are ignoring to follow the example of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Literally, we are sending out "ministers" who have been raised by surrogates, and don't have fathers. A child without a father is an illegitimate child, or a bastard (no, that isn't a curse word). Sadly, most churches and ministries today are started by spiritual bastards.

How can a child, who doesn't have a father, know how to father others? They can't. Yet, the work of being a pastor is very much a work of fathering those in the church. Just like a father, a pastor is there to console, impart wisdom, correct, and instruct. A true father is always there for his child, in the good times and especially the bad. A true pastor is as well. But, when a pastor, or minister is raised in the sterile atmosphere of a bible school, without a spiritual father, they look at their ministry as work, not as a family relationship.

It is no wonder that most of our churches are started as church splits. Without a father/son relationship, there is no reason to stay working with another minister. There is no expectancy of receiving the blessing of the father. There is no covenant of love. There is only a selfish desire to do one's own thing, even at the cost of hurting another minister.

So, these young ministers actually are only looking for an opportunity to start their own ministry. If that comes at the cost of someone else's ministry, it doesn't matter to them. Instead of seeing their actions as being wrong, they convince themselves that they are doing what is necessary and best for the people they are taking from that church.

This is a work of rebellion, and God cannot bless anything that starts in rebellion. If a ministry that starts in rebellion ends up receiving God's blessings, it is because at some point along the line they realize their error, and repent before the Lord.

God showed me the concept of Spiritual Fatherhood through an example in the book of Isaiah where the prophet was acting as a father to another, younger prophet.

Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shear-jashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field Isaiah 7:3

Although every commentary I've read talks about this Shear-jashub (who's name means "a remnant will return") as Isaiah's natural son, there isn't a single verse in the Bible which backs up this assumption. We don't see God commanding Isaiah to name his children in a specific way, like God commanded Hosea; we only see this reference. In fact, there is no reference in scripture to Isaiah having a wife, let alone children.

However, there are ten different references in scripture to a group of people known as the "sons of the prophets." This same group is also known as "the company of the prophets" and "the school of the prophets."

We must remember that when the Bible speaks of fathers, it isn't necessarily speaking of biological fathers. David was referred to as the father of many of the kings who followed upon his throne. However, some of these men were more than ten generations after King David. He is also referred to as Jesus' father, although he lived 28 generations before Christ!

These cases with King David aren't the only ones we see in the Bible either. Abraham is called "the father of faith" and Paul refers to him as "our father" in Rom 4:1. Paul also referred to Timothy as his "son in the faith" (1 Tim 1:2).

These are quite a few of these biblical examples we see where someone is called a father to one who is not his natural child. So, it is no stretch of imagination to say that the "son" of Isaiah referred to here in Isaiah 7:3 wasn't necessarily a natural child, but could have been one of the "sons of the prophets."

Who were these "sons of the prophets?" They were the younger prophets in training, who were receiving discipleship from the prophets who were ministering in that time. They would learn not only by the prophet's teaching, but also by the example of his life and ministry.

This is the key to biblical fatherhood in the ministry. Recent statistics say that ninety percent of pastors feel that their bible school training didn't prepare them for the ministry! Why? Because what we teach in bible school is only the theory of ministry, not the fact of it. Just because someone knows theory doesn't mean that they can apply it. Nor does it mean that the theory works. All it means is that they've learned a bunch of things to pass courses. Things, that unfortunately, according to 90% of the pastors out there, aren't useful in their day-to-day ministry.

There are many other examples of spiritual fatherhood, as a manner of training in the Bible. Here are a few key ones:

Moses & Joshua - In Exodus, chapter 33, verses 7 to 11, we find that Moses pitched his tent outside of the camp, and used it as a place to meet with God. At the end of verse 11, we find this interesting phrase "his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." Joshua started out as Moses' servant, learning from Moses, staying in the presence of the Lord, and being prepared for leadership. At the end of Moses' life, in Deuteronomy, chapter 34, verse 9, Moses laid hands on this same Joshua, and anointed him to become the next leader over Israel.

Elijah & Elisha - This is probably the greatest example of spiritual fatherhood in the Old Testament. In First Kings, chapter 19, verse 16, God commanded the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha to be a prophet. When Elijah found Elisha, he cast his mantle over Elisha. Between that time, and Second Kings, chapter 2, when Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha stayed with Elijah, and served him. He then received the "double portion" of Elijah's spirit to become prophet after Elijah.

The Aaronic Priesthood - When God commanded Moses to anoint his brother, Aaron, as high priest, he also anointed his sons as priests (Ex 28:1). God commanded that only the descendants of Aaron would be the priests of Israel. These priests raised up their sons to take their place in the ministry. Training them, and preparing them for the work of ministering to the Lord, and to His people.

The Jewish Rabbis - Although it isn't mentioned in scripture, Jewish rabbis (teachers), at least until the time of World War II, had their students living in their homes with them.

Paul & Timothy - Paul had many spiritual sons, but probably the best know of them was Timothy. He starts both his letters to this son, by greeting him as a son. In First Timothy, he then immediately goes on to speak of the continuation of the work that he left Timothy there to complete. Paul had spent time with Timothy, baptizing him, circumcising him, training him, and ministering with him. Then when it was time, he sent Timothy out to minister on his own; while continuing a father & son relationship with him.

Jesus & His Disciples - Of all the examples we have, I think this is the one that should speak to us the loudest. Jesus didn't send His disciples to bible school for training; He had them walk with Him for the three and a half years that He ministered here on the earth. During that time, we see in the gospels that He taught them, answered their questions, talked with them, and even gave them opportunities to minister on their own. Then, when He raised from the dead, He anointed them, and baptized them in the Holy Spirit to carry on the work which He had started.

This list isn't by any means all conclusive, I just wanted you to see that this concept exists all through the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments.

Basically, the concept of spiritual fatherhood is one in which, just as the prophets did with the sons of the prophets, a minister or leader takes another under his wing to train and equip them for the work the Lord has called them to do.

During this time of "walking together" the spiritual son is able to observe the life, character, and ministry of his spiritual father. Through this, he learns not only book knowledge, but also how to apply this knowledge in various ministry situations. Even more important than this however, is that he is able to observe the character of his spiritual father and imitate him, developing his spirit man.

During this time of "walking together" the spiritual father is able to observe the life, character, and giftings of his spiritual son. Through this, he is able to help correct and discipline his son, building the proper character and fruits of the Spirit within him. He can also help recognize the specific calling that God has on the life of his son, and direct and prepare him for that specific work.

By working with this type of system, we aren't preparing "cookie cutter" ministers, who have a general knowledge of the Bible, but no specific direction for their lives. Instead, we sharpen the young minister just as a sword is sharpened, making him ready to pierce the darkness in a specific place and manner.

The time of training will vary from individual to individual, depending upon their biblical knowledge and character when they enter into this discipleship relationship. Their specific calling will play a part in this as well, as some may require more preparation than others.

During the training, or discipleship time, the spiritual father, as led by the Holy Spirit, will direct the training of his spiritual son. This may include some form of formal bible school, but in the biblical examples I listed above, we don't see this even one time.

Part of this training, will always include directing the spiritual son to study on his own, even if he is in formal bible school. Just being in bible school doesn't mean that someone knows how to study the Word of God for themselves. It only means that they know how to listen to someone else teach it. However, we cannot receive in bible school all the revelation and understanding that each of us need in our own specific ministries.

Another part of this training will be that the son has opportunities to minister on his own, with the oversight of his spiritual father. Jesus anointed his disciples and sent them out to minister on their own. No matter how much we learn in a classroom setting, or by watching someone else, without the opportunity to practice doing it, that knowledge doesn't become heart knowledge, but only head knowledge.

When it is time for the spiritual son to step out in his own ministry, both the father and son will recognize it. Instead of leaving in rebellion, he will be able to leave with his spiritual father's blessing and support.

This point of leaving doesn't mean that the relationship ends, just that it moves to a new phase. Just as a natural son leaving the home stays in relationship with his parents, so too do these spiritual sons need to stay connected to their spiritual fathers.

In a way, the ongoing father/son relationship is more important after the son starts in ministry than before. This is the time when he will especially need the wisdom and experience of his father. Many of the previously taught lessons will suddenly take on a whole new light, and may need some review and further explanation. Mare than that, the son will need the ongoing prayers of his father to keep him strong, focused, and protected.

Let's go back and look at the relationship between Elijah and Elisha again. As I said, this is probably the best example of spiritual fatherhood in the Bible, and there are several things we can glean from their lives.

To start with, let's look at how Elijah started fathering Elisha.

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. 19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. 20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? 21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. 1 Ki 19:16. 19-21

Elijah didn't pick out who he wanted to father, God did. We shouldn't just pick someone and decide that we will be a spiritual father to them; nor should we just pick out someone and ask them to be our spiritual father. God already has these relationships planned, and we should seek the His will in this. You don't father someone just because you like them, but because God has shown you the calling upon their life, and has instructed you to anoint them to minister.

When God told Elijah to form a relationship with Elisha, He said, "Anoint Elisha to take your place as prophet" (paraphrased). We know of course, that without the anointing of God, there can be no effective ministry. But, God didn't say to Elijah, "I've anointed him to take your place." He told Elijah to anoint Elisha.

One of the benefits of the spiritual father/son relationship is a transference of the anointing. Elijah was directed to give the anointing that he had to Elisha. That doesn't mean that Elijah would no longer have the anointing, but that it would become multiplied in another minister's life and ministry. Later on, Elisha asked for the "double portion" of Elijah's spirit, which is the same thing as asking for a double portion of his anointing (2 Ki 2:9). We'll talk more about this in a minute.

Notice how Elijah obeyed God in this instance. Verse 19, of 1 Kings, chapter 19 says, "he left there and found Elisha…" He didn't wait for Elisha to come to him, he went and found the man who God told him to find. This doesn't mean that God will always do things this way, but it does tell us that the person, or people who we are to father won't necessarily be someone in our congregation.

When Elijah found Elisha, verse 19 says he "cast his mantle upon him." This is important. The mantle, which was literally Elijah's prayer shawl, is the outer garment that a Jew wears. Just as a jacket, it is a sign of authority. When Elijah put his prayer shawl on Elisha, it was a symbol of giving his authority to Elisha in obedience to God's command.

However, we don't see anywhere in scripture where Elijah poured oil upon Elisha to anoint him. Why not? Because the anointing of an individual flows onto their "mantle." When Elijah put his mantle upon Elisha, he not only gave him his authority, but his anointing as well.

This passage of scripture ends by saying that Elisha "went after Elijah, and ministered unto (or, served) him." Elisha received his training for the ministry by walking with Elijah, serving him, watching him, speaking with him, and ministering with him.

We don't see another thing mentioned in scripture about Elisha until the day when Elijah is taken up to heaven. This is also the point in time where the prophecy, which God gave unto Elijah about Elisha taking his place, comes to pass. As Elijah is taken to heaven, the ministry of Elisha is birthed.

On that day, Elijah and Elisha were traveling together. Three different times, Elijah said to Elisha, "stay here" because Elijah was going on to another place (2 Ki 2:2, 4, 6). All three times, Elisha responded by saying, "As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee" (2 Ki 2:2, 4, 6).

In one way, we can take this as a test for Elisha. Had he not remained faithful to Elijah till the end, he probably would not have received the "double portion" of Elijah's anointing. In another way, we can take this as Elijah knew what was going to happen, and was trying to make things easy for Elisha, by not having to be there when Elijah was taken up to heaven. In still a third way, we can take this as God setting the stage for Elisha receiving the double portion from Elisha.

During these travels, two different times, a group of the sons of the prophets came to Elisha with a word of prophecy that Elijah would be taken away from him (2 Ki 2:3, 5). Elisha responded that he knew about that, but still didn't leave Elijah's side.

Finally, after Elijah parts the water, as they are crossing over, he asks Elisha, "what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee." Elisha responds by saying, "let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me" (2 Ki 2:9).

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 2 Ki 2:9-10

Let's talk about the double portion for a minute. In ancient Israel, when a father died, the inheritance would be split among his sons. However, the oldest son would receive a "double portion." If there were four sons, they would divide the wealth of the father into five parts. Each son would receive one part, except the oldest son who would receive two parts; hence the "double portion."

When Elisha asked Elijah for the double portion, he was saying in effect, "I am the oldest son, your heir, I want to receive what I have a right to receive." We know there were other spiritual sons by this request. Otherwise, he would have no reason to ask for the double portion.

Elijah responded by saying, "if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so" (2 Ki 2:10). Normally, we think of this as seeing the person, as if you were standing far off, but could still see them. It doesn't speak anything of closeness, nor relationship. In a sense, anyone who saw Elijah could be in a position to receive that same double portion.

But, what this verse really means is "if you see eye to eye with me." Watching from a distance isn't enough; it's being in relationship and agreement that brings the blessing of receiving the double portion.

Why "eye to eye?" First of all because "eye to eye" speaks of total agreement with another person. However, there's a second part to this as well. If someone has done something against another, such as spoken behind their back, or lied to them, they have a hard time looking "eye to eye." Shame, or embarrassment causes them to look away.

To receive the double portion of the spiritual father's anointing, it is a necessity that the spiritual son remain in agreement and yoked together with his father. Rebellion, disagreement, or strife will destroy the anointing and the blessing.

This is one of the things that is plaguing the church today. Because ministries are started out of rebellion, instead of being birthed through a proper father/son relationship, the young minister must start all over at step one, instead of being able to build upon the anointing, revelation, understanding and work of his spiritual father. The Body of Christ is losing many blessings, and not moving forward as fast as the Lord wants because of this rebellion.

The father's blessing is a very important part of this father/son relationship. In the book of Genesis, we see several places where the natural father spoke blessings over his son(s). One example of this is when Isaac blessed Jacob, thinking it was Esau in Genesis chapter 27. This was so important to Esau that he cried, when he found out that his brother stole his blessing (Gen 27:38). Another is when Jacob, renamed Israel, blessed his 12 sons (or, the 12 tribes of Israel). Every one of these blessings came to pass.

To speak a blessing over someone isn't just saying "God bless you" to them. It is declaring those things that you want to see come to pass in their lives. Although it isn't prophecy, it is obvious by the examples in scripture that it does carry weight, and does come to pass.

Many times, we speak curses over our children instead of blessings. When we call them fools, stupid, or anything else negative, we are cursing them. But, the Jewish culture sees speaking blessings over a child as a very important part of a parent's responsibility. They have specific times in the child's life set aside as times where the parents speak blessings over their children.

Spiritual fathers need to speak blessings over their spiritual sons as well. Some specific times that this should be done are when the relationship is started, when the son completes a phase of his studies, when the son steps out into ministry, and any time that a new part of that ministry is being birthed. Without taking the time to declare these blessings over our spiritual sons, we are robbing them of the opportunity of becoming all that they can be, and accomplishing all that they can accomplish for the Lord.

When Elijah said to Elisha, "if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee" (2 Ki 2:10), he was declaring a blessing over Elisha's life and ministry. Several well known Bible scholars have said that in comparing the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, this literally came to pass. According to scripture, Elisha accomplished exactly twice the number of miracles that Elijah did.

The final thing we need to look at in Elijah's fathering of Elisha is the gift that he gave to Elisha as he left the earth.

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 2 Ki 2:11-13

As Elijah was taken up to heaven by the chariot of fire, he dropped his mantle to Elisha. Remember, this mantle was Elijah's prayer shawl, which was made out of camel's hair. It was, and is a Jewish custom for the father to pass his prayer shawl on to his firstborn son. Some Jews today are using prayer shawls that are literally hundreds of years old, and have been passed on from generation to generation, each generation adding to the anointing of the previous one.

So, when Elisha received Elijah's prayer shawl it was a public confirmation that he had been chosen to replace Elijah as the main prophet of Israel. The sons of the prophets, who were on the other side of the river Jordan, and actually saw all this take palce (2 Ki 2:7) easily recognized Elijah's prayer shawl and knew that Elisha had taken his place.

Elisha received his position as chief prophet by receiving Elijah's prayer shawl. But he also received the position of spiritual father to the other sons of the prophets. In the natural, when a man would die, his heir became the head of the family. Part of this included becoming a substitute father to his brothers. This happens in the spiritual as well. Elisha took the responsibility of becoming spiritual father, and the sons of the prophets accepted him as such.

In addition, we already discussed how he received the anointing of Elijah by when Elijah put his prayer shawl upon Elisha. But there is one final thing he received, that is authority. In ancient times, a person's jacket, or in this case mantle, was a sign of their authority. Remember when Jacob gave Joseph a "coat of many colors" in Genesis 37:3. What was his brother's reaction to this? They were angry. Why? Because that coat was a sign of his authority; authority over them, who had been born before Joseph was. Their father had given Joseph preeminence over them. Elisha received Elijah's authority when he received that prayer shawl, and was recognized as having that authority.

The first to recognize this was the sons of the prophets who were on the other side of the river watching all this. They instantly accepted him, and looked to him for leadership.

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. 2 Ki 2:13-15

Notice that Elijah smote the waters twice in verse 14. The first time, it appears that nothing happened. However, after he said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" and smote the waters again, they parted, just as they had for Elijah. This was God's seal of confirmation on Elisha's position, anointing, and authority.

If the example of Elijah and Elisha is representative of what God wants, than we should see a doubling of anointing in each spiritual generation. However, I don't know of anywhere in the world where this is happening today.

What we are doing today is only training ministers, instead of raising spiritual sons. As you can see from this study, there is an incredible difference between the two.

Ministers who don't raise up spiritual sons are spiritual eunuchs. In Leviticus 21, God gave Moses a list of defects that would prevent Aaron's descendants from serving in the priesthood (Lev 21:17-21). Amongst this list is mentioned, "damaged testicles" (or in some translations "eunuchs"). Physically, this means an inability to reproduce, and spiritually it means the same thing. Literally, God has declared in the law, that those who don't reproduce spiritually are unfit to be ministers.

I don't know about you, but I want to see the church grow and be filled with the presence and glory of the Lord. I want my spiritual sons (and natural ones as well) raise up and take the ministry of the Lord to new levels. I want to see all of God's plan fulfilled here in the earth. Just as Jesus prayed in the Lord's prayer, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10).

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD 6 And he shall turn the heart of the (spiritual) fathers to the (spiritual) children (or sons), and the heart of the (spiritual) children (or sons) to their (spiritual) fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5-6 (annotations mine)

Come Elijah, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, as Malachi prophesied, and turn the hearts of the spiritual fathers, back to their spiritual sons. So that our land may not be cursed, but blessed with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Amen.