Hi Bro Godwin,
A few people in my church keep telling me that I need to be under a spiritual father to be covered or protected in ministry. They quote stuff like “you need a father to bless you”, and “you can’t grow without a covering”. Is this biblical?

– Rakesh (Bangalore, India)

Hi Rakesh,

In the New Covenant, your covering is Christ, not a man.

Romans 13:14 — But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.”

Paul had spiritual sons, but he never taught that every believer must have a spiritual father. He wrote:

1 Corinthians 4:15 — For even if you were to have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the good news [of salvation].”

The Greek word “patēr” (πατήρ) here means one who begets. Paul was simply pointing to the fact that he had introduced them to Christ through the gospel — not to build control, but to guide them into maturity.

It’s not wrong to have a spiritual father — I personally do. He mentors me in the Word, offers counsel, and sharpens me in the things of God. But that relationship is not about dominance or hierarchy. He doesn’t cover me — Christ does. He doesn’t replace Christ in my life. He helps me grow in dependence on Christ, not himself.

Matthew 23:9 — And do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.”

Many so-called spiritual fathers today run systems that function like MLMs — demanding tithes, offerings, loyalty, and even submission in exchange for “covering.” Some even ask their followers to dress like them, drive similar cars, copy mannerisms or language — all this is flesh, not Spirit.

Matthew 23:9 — And do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.”

True spiritual fathering is never about using or abusing. It doesn’t exploit. It doesn’t expect you to give your tithe to a man. It doesn’t manipulate you into uniformity. It points you to Christ and helps you grow in Him.

Colossians 2:10 — And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power].”

If Christ is your Head, you don’t need a man to validate your calling. You may have mentors and fathers in the faith, but never as a substitute for Jesus.

Hope this helps.

In Christ,
Godwin