BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Brother Kenneth E. Hagin has preached that the pastor is the “daddy” of the church. Over the years, many people have referred to him as “Dad” Hagin. There are many people today who view Brother Kenneth Copeland as their spiritual “dad”—their father in the faith. And over this last year, I have experienced the transition to spiritual fatherhood as well. I have received cards and notes that emphasized the fact that people in our congregation were looking to me as their spiritual father—people who were looking to me for guidance, direction, love, acceptance and integrity—everything our own natural children look to their fathers to fulfill. They said things like: “Thank you for everything you have done for me. I now have a father in my life, thanks to you!” “You remind me of my late father. You two are alike—sensitive, tender and thoughtful.” “Thank you for showing me not only the love of God, but also the love of a father.” “Even without knowing it, you have been a father to me.” Spiritual Fathers I do not share these comments in order to exalt myself. God forbid! I share them to help men realize that people are looking up to us to be the example of our heavenly Father. I am still amazed that people view me in that light. But, I am also learning how to step in to that role by faith and be the father I am called to be. The need for spiritual fathers is great. The story is told in Spain of a father and his teenage son whose relationship had become strained. The son decided to run away from home. Heartbroken, the father began a journey in search of his rebellious son. ************************* Watch services with Pastor George on bvovn® ************************** The search led him to Madrid. The father placed an advertisement in the newspaper as a last-ditch effort to locate the boy. The ad read, “Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you. Your father.” The next day at noon, 800 “Pacos” showed up. They all came seeking love, forgiveness and acceptance from their fathers. Never underestimate the power of fatherhood. Never underestimate the need for fathers. Our children are crying out for them. Adults live their lives hungering for the love, approval and acceptance of a father. The need for true fathers is real—and it is staggering. My wife, Terri, and I have traveled all over the world on behalf of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and Eagle Mountain International Church. Wherever we go, we always ask pastors the same question: “What is the greatest need that you have in this country?” Their answer? “We need spiritual fathers!” Unfortunately, many men never come to the realization of how important this powerful call to spiritual fatherhood is. The Apostle Paul said it best in 1 Corinthians 4:l4-16, "New Living Translation"-96 : “I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do.” A Father’s Love Since that day when I received a revelation of the importance of spiritual fatherhood, I have been seeing myself as a father to those The LORD has placed in my life—nurturing them as a father would nurture his own children. I desire to see them grow and become all God has destined them to be. I am always willing to encourage them and never afraid to lovingly correct. I want the very best for their lives—as a father desires the very best for his children. There is something so precious, so wonderful, so holy about fatherhood. I looked up to my father. He provided stability and security. He always seemed to know what to say. We never went without. His wisdom for us and compassion toward others was a hallmark of his life. He was a man of integrity. His effect on my life is evident to this day. If you know me, you know my father. What influence fathers have on their sons and daughters! Every man is called to be a father! There comes a time in every man’s life to “step up to the plate” and fulfill his role as a spiritual father. People around us are crying out for it. Spiritual orphans are out there, waiting for a father like you to mentor them. Begin to see yourself as a father to those The LORD places in your life. As we men continue to seek The LORD, study His WORD, live holy lives and be an example, God will equip us to do for others what He does best for us as our loving, caring, heavenly Father. V George Pearsons is CEO of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and senior pastor of Eagle Mountain International Church, located on the grounds of KCM. For more information or ministry materials go to emic.org. 10 : BVOV

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