This article was published in the following newspapers:

Norris City Banner – Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ridgway News – Thursday, March 20, 2008
Gallatin County Democrat – Thursday, March 20, 2008

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Call No Man Father?

In some churches, why do people call the pastor “Father”? In Anglican churches, Catholic churches, and Orthodox churches, this is common.  But is it biblical?

Throughout the Bible, godly men are called “father”. Joseph was a wise counselor, and was therefore a “father to Pharaoh” (Genesis 45:8). Job said he was a “father to the poor” (Job 29:16). God Himself calls Eliakim a “father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 22:21).  And in recognition of fatherly spiritual leadership, the prophet Elisha calls out to the prophet Elijah, “My father! My father!” (2 Kings 2:12).  Later, the king of Israel called the prophet Elisha “father” (2 Kings 6:21). When these men demonstrate godly leadership, Scripture…