It’s not news to anyone that we live in a fatherless society. Current stats reveal that 23.6% (over 17.4 million) children are growing up in homes without a father. The stats also reveal that the greatest percentage of those who end up engaging in “at risk” behaviors, destructive life choices, and repeated incarceration are the products of fatherless homes. These stats do not even begin to touch on all the home situations where a father is present but not present for his children. 

All of this leads to one important conclusion - the world is desperately need of men to serve as spiritual fathers. The Apostle Paul, who was not married, and did not have kids of his own embraced his role as a Spiritual Father. Consider the following verses -

"just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children”  - 1 Thessalonians 2:11

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 11:1 

“To Timothy my true son in the faith…” - 1 Timothy 1:2 

“To Titus, my true son in our common faith…” - Titus 1:4 

“You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.”  - 1 Thessalonians 2:10–12 NLT

Paul was passionate about stepping in the gap on behalf of those who lacked a strong spiritual influence from a more mature man. Godly men today should also step up to the challenge to serve as Spiritual Fathers in the lives of others. Looking at these passages, here are a few characteristics of a Spiritual Father.

• A spiritual father warns his children of dangers.
• A spiritual father exhorts his children. 
• A spiritual father sets an example for his children. 
• A spiritual father disciplines his children.
• A spiritual father admonishes his children.
• A spiritual father models and encourages righteous decision making.
• A spiritual father corrects his children.

Do you have what it takes to be a Spiritual Father? God is looking for men to be mighty oaks of strength for the fatherless and the widow. Take a young man or woman under your wings and help them learn to fly on their own.