Spiritually Speaking
The Pastor As
Spiritual Parent
I remember my mother who birthed twelve children: twelve children with twelve personalities, twelve attitudes, and twelve sets of needs. As a parent, she knew us individually and loved us so that we each knew we were loved. Much like a pastor with their flock, sheep come from different origins, backgrounds and situations, as babes with a sincere need to be loved and to grow.
When I think of how a pastor serves as a spiritual parent, I think of 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11 (KJV). It reads “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children… So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also OUR OWN SOULS, BECAUSE YE WERE DEAR UNTO US….As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged everyone of you, as a father doth his children.”
This passage shows the attitude of a Pastor who loves the flock. This pastor’s heart is devoted, tender, caring and gentle. A committed Pastor will instruct as we read in Proverbs 2:1-2; "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. "
A mother is always concerned to give her baby the right formula, as a Pastor’s concern is to feed the sheep directly from the Word of God. For to love them right is to feed them right. One of the greatest joys a parent and a Pastor can have is to see their child grow properly. You grow right when you are fed right.
Paul said in Galatians 4:19 KJV "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." Here Paul sees himself as a parent who commits to the pain of raising a child until they mature. A committed Pastor will sacrifice their life, as the scripture says in 2 Corinthians 4:12 “So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”
As Pastors we need to possess an attitude of total commitment as seen in the life of Jesus. ("Not my will but thine." Matthew 26:39) Pastors have the same tenderness, love, and compassion as seen in mothers and the strength of the father as a model, an example of encouragement and authority. The work of a Pastor is about spiritual assignment. Pastors give their lives until they see change in the sheep, discovery of purpose, disciples made, and men and women of God equipped for life and ministry.
Carol Turner is the Pastor of Kingdom Restoration Christian Center. She has a passion for all aspects of ministry, where she reaches out to people of all ages who desire to develop a closer relationship with God. She teaches at conferences, retreats, and churches as the Lord continues to open doors. Kingdom Restoration Christian Center is located at 1311 South Karlov in Chicago, Illinois
Carol Turner