Where are the Fathers?

Where are the Fathers?

By Evangelist Chris Jacobs

           

According to the U.S. Department of Census 43% of U.S. children live without their fathers which is five times the national average, 90% of homeless and runaway children are fatherless, thirty two times the average and 85 % of all youth incarcerated come from fatherless homes, twenty  times the average[Texas Department of Corrections]. A 2002 Department of Justice survey of 7,000 inmates revealed that 39% of those incarcerated lived in mother only households and one fifth experienced a father who was also imprisoned. Daughters of single parents without a father involved are 53 % more likely to marry as teenagers, 711% more likely to have children as teenagers and 164% more likely to have a pre-marital sexual encounter. As a father these statistics are staggering and very tragic. However on a brighter and more encouraging note, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self-esteem, exhibit compassion and avoid high risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy and criminal activity compared to those who have uninvolved fathers.

Unfortunately this spirit of fatherlessness has slinked its way into Christendom and the Body of Christ. If we were to take a statistical look at the church, the numbers of the spiritually fatherless would be equal to or undoubtedly higher than those we just concentrated on. It saddens me to see this term “spiritual father” used so lightly. The Church must make sure not to become involved in faddish or popular terms that come and go. From my own experience, I can count on both hands how many times a pastor or minister has called me “son”.  But as soon as you are not a part of his or her ministry, you become an orphan. One of the definitions of an orphan is a child who has lost both parents and less commonly, one parent. This regrettably paints a picture of the Body of Christ today. So many have been orphaned and abandoned by self-proclaimed spiritual fathers and mothers as well as those appointed and anointed by God to be spiritual fathers or mothers. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:15[Amplified], “After all, though you should have ten thousands teachers [guides to direct you] in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel).”

In today’s Christian world there are countless preachers, pastors, prophets and teachers (instructors), but the question remains, where are the fathers? Where are those willing to take the time to raise true sons and daughters in the Kingdom? Yes, being a father takes time, patience, sensitivity and commitment. In the same light, spiritual fathers must adopt this way of viewing spiritual parenting. At times being a father is very inconvenient and all selfishness must be disregarded. As Moses was to Joshua, as Elijah was to Elisha, as Naomi was to Ruth and as Paul was to Timothy, those in five-fold ministry must be to those entrusted to them by God. I consider every believer to be a spiritual cover or guardian to people they have led to Christ and discipled.  As Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 we must not only go but we are to make disciples of all nations and people. This was not a suggestion but a command.

There are distinct and biblical characteristics that a spiritual father must possess. First, I believe he must know your calling and purpose before being a part of your spiritual destiny. Just as Paul knew Timothy’s calling in 2 Timothy 4:5, true spiritual fathers must know their son’s or daughter’s calling. Many “spiritual fathers” want to mold you into what they think you should be. This is not biblical but indeed is manipulative and must be confronted and rejected. Secondly, he or she must be available at all times. As a father I am readily available to my daughter twenty four hours, seven days week. What good is a father if he is not accessible? Thirdly, he must cover and protect you no matter what. Just as God our Father protect and covers us daily so should spiritual leadership. As I previously mentioned, many “spiritual fathers” abandon you when you are no longer involved in their vision or ministry. I do not have the option of deserting Jazmyn, my daughter, when she is no longer in our home. I would be considered a deadbeat father and so should those who have abandoned their spiritual children. Finally, a true father should want his children to be better and more successful than he is. A father should never muzzle a child’s gifts, talents or anointing. There is no room for competition in the Kingdom and certainly not among family. Proverbs 23:15-16 [Msg] says, “Dear child, if you become wise, I’ll be one happy parent. My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you will speak.”

In conclusion, I truly believe that God is fostering true fathers in the Body of Christ. Those with the Kingdom agenda and also those committed to the role of spiritual fatherhood. Hopefully, pastors are becoming more aware of their responsibility to help rear sons and daughters who are healthy spiritually, emotionally and relationally. As Malachi 4:6 says, “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”