In We Have Not Many Fathers, Mark Hanby emphasizes the crucial role of having a spiritual father in a Christian’s life for spiritual growth, maturity, and guidance. He highlights several key ideas about the importance of spiritual fathers:
- Spiritual Fatherhood as a Biblical Model
Hanby argues that the concept of a spiritual father is rooted in Scripture, particularly in Paul’s relationship with Timothy, where Paul refers to himself as Timothy’s father in the faith (1 Corinthians 4:15). He believes that this model of spiritual fatherhood is essential for nurturing and mentoring believers in their walk with God.
- Guidance and Wisdom
According to Hanby, a spiritual father provides wisdom and guidance that cannot be attained solely through personal study or individual experience. He emphasizes that just as biological fathers guide their children through life, a spiritual father helps guide spiritual sons and daughters through the complexities of faith, ministry, and personal growth.
- Accountability and Correction
Hanby discusses how a spiritual father provides necessary accountability and correction, helping believers avoid pitfalls and stay aligned with God’s will. He suggests that without this relationship, believers can easily become self-guided, which can lead to spiritual stagnation or even misdirection.
- Impartation and Legacy
Hanby emphasizes that a spiritual father imparts spiritual gifts, anointing, and a sense of identity to their spiritual children. This goes beyond teaching; it involves passing on a legacy of faith, character, and ministry. He suggests that spiritual fathers help foster a deeper sense of purpose and calling in their spiritual sons and daughters.
- Healing Father Wounds
One of Hanby’s most profound points is that many believers carry deep wounds from absent or dysfunctional relationships with their earthly fathers. He suggests that a spiritual father can provide healing and restoration in these areas by modeling God’s fatherly love, thereby helping believers experience healing and wholeness in their spiritual journey.
- Avoiding the Orphan Spirit
Hanby contrasts the benefits of having a spiritual father with what he calls the “orphan spirit.” He describes how, without a spiritual father, many believers experience a sense of isolation, insecurity, and disconnection from the larger body of Christ. A spiritual father helps protect believers from this “orphan” mentality by offering a sense of belonging, identity, and security.
- Transfer of Authority
Hanby believes that spiritual fathers are instrumental in transferring authority and responsibility to the next generation. This involves raising up spiritual sons and daughters who will continue the work of the kingdom and multiply its influence. He stresses the importance of proper mentorship for effective leadership and ministry.
Conclusion
Mark Hanby’s We Have Not Many Fathers presents the idea that having a spiritual father is vital for spiritual growth, mentorship, and leadership development. Spiritual fathers provide guidance, correction, healing, and a transfer of legacy that cannot be achieved independently. Hanby’s central argument is that without these relationships, believers can miss out on the fullness of their spiritual inheritance and purpose.