1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Even though Jesus was very clear about not giving people titles, (Matthew 23:8-12) it’s easy to understand why Catholic priests came to be called “Father,” because as Paul expresses here, the relationship between pastor and people is very familial. Frankly, I have reservations about any pastor who does not feel like a father to those in his flock! In this verse Paul keeps the focus on God, because it’s His kingdom and glory we’re involved in, but the interpersonal dynamics in a local church, certainly, are very much those of a family. The problem is, many people grow up in dysfunctional families, so they don’t know how to relate to their family in Christ. That’s not all from things like abuse. I know someone who was the only child of a mo­ther who was an only child, and she doesn’t understand sibling relationships in the least. We all tend to mirror what we know, so it is vital that we all keep growing. This is also why mentors are so important, because we need examples to show us how we need to grow. The right mentor at the right time can have a marvelous impact. That’s what Paul is talking about here: mentoring his spiritual children. He had no physical children, but he labored to be a good father to his spiritual children, and as such became a model for all in pastoral ministry of all sorts.

My own father was loving, but not very “hands on.” He was not into sports at all, and I don’t remember ever playing catch with him. He used to take me to kindergarten on the back of his bicycle, but I don’t remember him actually teaching me how to ride one. I’m sure that impacted my own patterns of ministry. That’s why the study of Coaching that I’ve been doing for the past few years has been so helpful. I’m having to learn how to come alongside people and show them how to live, rather than lecturing them about it. My father was enormously busy, but I’ve just retired from secular teaching, so I have no excuse! I need to let my Heavenly Father keep teaching me how to be the spiritual father He wants me to be, so that my children may grow strong in every way that matters, in turn raising up more healthy spiritual children, so that the family of God may grow in every way, for His pleasure and glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the changes I do see in myself, though they are small. Help me keep growing as Your child so that I can be the father You want me to be to all the children You give me, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!