It is a common thing to hear the expression of ‘papa’ and ‘spiritual father’ in churches today. This is often accompanied by gestures of deep respect for the people who are given these titles. One definition taken from the internet defines papa as a more formal and dignified term for a father. It is often associated with older generations and can convey a sense of respect and authority. I also believe that the people who use this name assume this very meaning for it.
Giving this level of respect to man other than God has its dangers, some of which may lead to eternal damnation. It is not surprising that some people have found themselves in losses, trouble and pain after having taken a command from their so called spiritual fathers. Some people would ignore direct Bible teaching if their so called papa or spiritual father does not agree to it. Examples include issue of homosexuality, polygamy, offering, modesty and self-adornment. Congregants are often ignorant of the fact that on God’s judgement day, the excuse of having taken advice from the papa or spiritual leader will not be acceptable. God will judge people according to scriptures and nothing else.
What does Jesus have to say about this
Jesus is not silent on this matter. Jesus directly addresses this concern in the Gospel of Matthew 23:8-12;
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Clearly Jesus is talking in context because every person has a father to whom respect and proper address is due. Jesus warns congregants from over rating the position of church leaders to the papa or ‘father’ position. Similarly, Jesus is exhorting leaders of the church not to elevate themselves to the position of being instructors. Then to both congregants and leaders He promotes the spirit of being a servant.
It is proper to call a pastor by father as to give him the respect of being an adult male, a husband to someone and a father to his children. Additionally, a pastor or a leader in church plays an important role in helping the congregants live up to the standard God expects. Their role should not be taken as an instruction that cannot be challenged or introspected yet for a father; the approach differs.
The Paul scenario
In some portions of scriptures, the apostle Paul declares Timothy, Onesimus and Titus as sons to him (I Timothy 1:2, Philemon 1:10, Titus 1:4). It is interesting that we never get to hear any of these three heroes of faith calling Paul their father. I therefore believe that Paul had so much love for each of them to give them the position of his children. It is a top down approach of leadership that does not expect a reciprocal reaction. To me, it does reveal that even if any of the three were to disown Paul, it would be their problem and not Paul’s. In other words, it would be unbecoming of Paul to demand respect from them.
I agree to the fact that this subject of Paul and the three is debatable. However, whose teaching would you rather follow in more detail; Jesus or Paul? I chose Jesus and I recommend that to everyone for instances where there seems to be a dilemma.
Conclusion
Jesus does not tolerate seeing people take the position of a father to others. Jesus declares that all His followers are equals. According to verse 8 of Matthew 23, He says that they are all brothers. Therefore, rendering glory, praise and honour to someone beyond what the Bible teaches is offensive to Him.
To congregants:
Your leader in church is your guide to the truth but s/he is human just like you. S/he makes mistakes and is capable of misleading you and therefore does not qualify to be a papa or a spiritual father. All they are to you is a spiritual guide. Let your authority be the Bible and not any other person. Taken from this lesson, I have a problem with the word papa and spiritual father, I recommend spiritual guide.
To church leaders:
Don’t demand for people to give you a title beyond what Jesus allows for you to assume. Do your work and leave adversaries to God to deal with. Make the Bible your authority and let brethren use it too. Accept admonishment where you have missed the mark because you are also human. Avoid by all means to be responsible for people’s offensive behaviour to God as you will one day give an account for the souls that have been miss lead by your teachings.
May God grant us wisdom and revelation of the little things that spoil our relationship with Him. Be blessed.
Facebook
Youtube