Spiritual Fathering and Mothering Episode 1

Welcome to this pod cast series on Paul’s letters to Timothy titled Spiritual Fathering and Mothering .

I am Pastor Chris Lovell and in this series we will explore how God uses spiritual relationships to grow and strengthen His people.

Having spent many years in ministry, I believe there is a vital need for my generation of leaders to embrace the call to become spiritual fathers and mothers to the next generation of leaders .

In this first episode, we begin with a relationship that exemplifies spiritual parenting — Paul and Timothy.

Transcript

Welcome to this pod cast series on Paul’s letters to Timothy titled Spiritual Fathering and Mothering .

I am Pastor Chris Lovell and in this series we will explore how God uses spiritual relationships to grow and strengthen His people.

Having spent many years in ministry, I believe there is a vital need for my generation of leaders to embrace the call to become spiritual fathers and mothers to the next generation of leaders .

In this first episode, we begin with a relationship that exemplifies spiritual parenting — Paul and Timothy.

Paul writes these powerful words in the opening of his letter:

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Timothy 1:1 to 2)

This greeting isn’t just affectionate — it’s foundational. Paul doesn’t call Timothy a colleague or a friend. He calls him a true son in the faith.

He wasn’t Timothy’s biological father, but he was his spiritual father — someone who had led him to Christ, nurtured him in the Word, and equipped him for ministry.

We find the heart behind this relationship echoed in 1 Corinthians 4:15–17, where Paul says:

“Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers,

for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord.

He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”

This is the essence of spiritual fathering — not just teaching truth, but living it. And not just living it, but reproducing it in the life of another.

John Maxwell once said:

“You teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are.”

Paul reproduced his way of life in Timothy. His faith, his perseverance, his love for Christ — these were not only things he taught, but things he passed on through deep, relational investment.

And this is what the Church desperately needs today: not more instructors, but more spiritual fathers and mothers.

Rick Lewis, in his book Mentoring Matters, writes:

“Spiritual mentoring is less about giving advice and more about making space — for God to work in someone’s life, through relationship, presence, and shared purpose.”

That’s what Paul did with Timothy. He made space. He invited Timothy into his mission, into his struggles, and into his heart.

He didn’t just say, “Go.” He said, “Come with me.”

And later, when he had to send Timothy out, he did so with full confidence — because the seed of his own life was growing strong in his son in the faith.

So let me ask you today:

Are you a spiritual parent to someone? Or are you a spiritual son or daughter in need of one?

Maybe you’ve had many “guardians” — people who’ve given you content or counsel. But what about a spiritual father or mother — someone who walks the road with you, who helps form Christ in you?

Or maybe you’re called to become one — not perfect, but present. Not polished, but faithful.

Dallas Willard said:

“Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if He were you.”

And spiritual fathering and mothering is helping someone else do just that.

These are not just formal greetings — they are words of deep affection and authority. Paul is writing as a spiritual father to Timothy — a younger leader he has mentored, discipled, and now released into ministry.

In verse 5, Paul gives Timothy a clear vision of his role:

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

This is the heart of spiritual parenting — to lead others into love, purity, and sincere faith. Paul isn’t just correcting false doctrine here — he’s calling Timothy to shepherd others from a place of deep spiritual integrity.

John Maxwell, leadership author and pastor, says this:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. But a spiritual father is one who walks the way with you.”

Paul walked with Timothy. He didn’t just send letters; he shared life. He knew Timothy’s background, his personality, his fears, and his potential.

Rick Lewis, in Mentoring Matters, writes:

“Spiritual mentoring involves offering presence, wisdom, and a Christ-centered perspective over time. It is not a quick fix, but a faithful commitment.”

That’s exactly what Paul demonstrates in 1 Timothy 1. He warns Timothy about Hymenaeus and Alexander — men who have rejected faith and good conscience. But he doesn’t just warn — he encourages:

“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

Paul is not just training a leader — he is fathering a fighter in the faith. He reminds Timothy of his calling, stirs up his courage, and calls him to hold on when others are letting go.

Dallas Willard once said:

“We must never forget that the eternal kind of life is a life of love. Spiritual maturity is always relational.”

Spiritual fathering is relational. It is intentional. And it is desperately needed today — in homes, churches, and ministries. Many believers , particularly church pastors and leaders are spiritually gifted but relationally rootless. What they need is not just content — but covenant. Not just teaching — but trust. Not just a preacher — but a spiritual parent.

So here’s the challenge today:

Who is your Timothy? And who is your Paul?

Who are you investing in with grace, mercy, and peace — like Paul did?

And if you’re a Timothy — are you listening, receiving, and growing under the guidance of someone further along the journey?

Let’s reclaim the model Paul gives us in 1 Timothy — of life-on-life discipleship, of spiritual parenting that empowers the next generation to fight the good fight and finish well.

Thanks for joining us on Spiritual Fathering and Mothering. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a spiritual parent or mentoree in your life. And remember — leadership begins with love, and love is passed down through relationship.

Until next time — walk with wisdom, and raise up others in the faith.