Spiritual Parenting
Building apostolic communities and spiritual parenting is not a “new” thing. In fact, I remember when I first learned about the five-fold ministry in Ephesians 4 and how Christ gave each of us grace as He apportioned it. This grace are the various gifts. The purpose of having those gifts is to equip people for the works of the service, to build up the body of Christ, until we reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of Christ and to become mature.
Spiritual parenting is necessary in this day and time. We have more churches than people in it. We have more people proclaiming to be apostles and prophets with no home base, no accountability, and very little training. With the condition of our society, we need spiritual leaders who are gifted, matured, and connected to God. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Some may declare that they need no one by God and the Holy Ghost to teach them and to lead them. But I believe that we are all better when we have the safety of the multitude of counselors.
With so many psychics, spiritual guides using their talents to tell people what they want to hear, we need spiritual parents who are God-fearing. These servants, unlike psychics do not tell you what you want to hear, but rather teach you how to listen for God’s voice for your daily walk. Spiritual parenting is different than therapy and pastoral counseling. Spiritual parents don't give you the answers but help you look at yourself and how God is working within. Accountability is another factor of spiritual parents. You will be asked about your prayer life, your study time, and what scriptures are speaking to your life. Additionally, like natural parents, spiritual parents stick with you through the highs and lows of your life. After all, those who have a call on their life experience life, as well.
Spiritual parents should not be controlling, ruling, or abusive. Instead, the relationship should be one where the sheep are safe with the shepherd or spiritual parent. According to Philippians 1:27, whatever happens, we are to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Also, we are to put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so the our ministry will not be discredited (2 Corinthians 6:13).
In conclusion, there are examples of those in the Bible who had spiritual parents. Abraham spiritually parented Lot after Lot’s father died. Joshua submitted himself to Moses, even though he was not related to Moses. Joshua grew to continue the apostolic mandate of Moses. David had a father who could not see his anointing or his destiny in life. David clung to Saul, a man who was jealous, but none the less, David submitted to Saul. Deborah strengthened Barak for war and is known as the Mother of Israel. There are so many more examples, Eli and Samuel, Elijah ad Elisha, Esther and Mordecai and the like.
God has need of those who are graced with wisdom, patience, and a lot of love to help those who desire to grow within an apostolic community to fulfill the heart of the Father to build people.
