Ancient Faith. Modern Community: A Place at the Table for You.
THE ALTAR CHURCH
Now Forming in the Anderson, SC, Area
Why Do Some Christians Call Their Pastor "Father"?
Jesus tells us to call God our Father—and we take that seriously.
So why do Christians sometimes call a pastor “Father”?
In the Bible, fatherhood isn’t just biological—it’s spiritual and relational. The Apostle Paul speaks of himself as a spiritual father to those he discipled (1 Corinthians 4:15). He wasn’t replacing God, but helping others grow in Christ.
That’s what we mean here.
Calling our pastor 'Father' isn't about status or authority. It is rooted in our Anglican and ancient Church traditions, emphasizing pastoral care, guidance, and spiritual responsibility. It serves as a reminder that the Church is meant to be a family, not a performance or a platform.
The Biblical Pattern of Spiritual Fatherhood
The Apostles and Spiritual Fatherhood
The Apostles did not view "Father" as a forbidden title, but rather as a description of spiritual mentorship. Paul told the Corinthians, "I became your father in Christ" (1 Cor 4:15) and called Timothy his "son" (1 Timothy 1:2). Similarly, Peter referred to Mark as "my son" (1 Pet 5:13), and John addressed his entire congregation as "my little children" (1 John 2:1).
"Call no Man Father or Teacher"?
The Meaning of Matthew 23:9-10
Jesus was addressing the pride of the Pharisees, not banning the vocabulary of family and mentorship. If 'Father' is off-limits, then so are 'Teacher,' 'Doctor,' 'Professor,' and even 'Pastor'—a Latin word for 'Shepherd,' which is a title Jesus specifically claimed for Himself.
Just as we have biological fathers and academic teachers, we have spiritual fathers who help us grow in the faith without replacing the authority of God.
Within the Church, the title "Father" honors the pastor’s role in "birthing" and "raising" others in the faith.