Spiritual parenting

Malachi 4:5-6

Spiritual parenting is the most significant thing church leaders can do to make the church function like a family instead of an organization or institution. The Lord is turning the hearts of fathers towards their sons and the hearts of sons towards their fathers. He is also causing a great hunger for spiritual fathers and mothers in the body of Christ.

God is constantly at work. He builds in you and through you. But we must allow Him to have His way in our lives. There is a price to pay, however, for being used of God. Paul said in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”

God builds with those who have these attributes:

  • Committed (Mark 19:27)
  • Loyal (Proverbs 18:24)
  • Have a warrior’s heart (Ephesians 2:10)
  • Dependable (Proverbs 20:6)
  • Recognize their position as a son, an heir of Christ (Romans 8:17)
  • Radically obedient (Romans 8:12)
  • Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
  • Have become like a little child in the realm of faith (Matthew 18:3)
  • Are growing in the role of spiritual parenting (1 John 2:13)
  • Are able to eat meat, not just milk (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

 

Christ builds His house with sons

Creation is waiting for the sons of God to rise up and take their place (Romans 8:17). We will see tremendous things happen in the church when this happens.

There are several tests and responsibilities involved in sonship

  • Being able to handle pressure; stay in when the pressure is on.
  • Defending the father’s house; a hireling will leave when in danger (John 10:11-13).
  • God will test our hearts (Hebrews 5:8).

The difference between servants (hirelings) and sons and daughters in the house

  • Sons and daughters build the house
  • They use family language (we, us)
  • Sons and daughters lay down their rights
  • They have a healthy sense of ownership
  • Sons and daughters show contentment
  • Sons and daughters honor authority
  • They will share their heart (Psalm 127:3)
  • Sons and daughters handle correction with grace and seek correction (Hebrews 12:7-8)
  • They are willing to serve the spiritual parent and his or her vision.

On the other hand, slaves or hirelings…

  • Serve in the house only when they get something back.
  • Use language that is not inclusive such as “they” or “them”
  • Make sure to stand up for their rights.
  • Are quick to say, “That is not my job.”

Sons and daughters will be committed to serve the cause of their spiritual parents. They will persevere even when hardship comes because they are owners.

There may be both children and hirelings (servants) in the church – build with sons and daughters!