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"For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers..." 1 Corinthians 4:15
INTRODUCTION
In the first week of December I was at the annual International Coalition of Apostles (ICA) Conference in Dallas, Texas. Without doubt this is one of the most stimulating meetings that I attend each year (see detailed report next month).
THE UNDERCURRENT
Many challenging issues were brought to the table in Dallas by some of the world's greatest Christian leaders of our time. We learned of massive amounts of money, in some cases numbering in the billions, that are beginning to be poured into the Body of Christ in different parts of the world. Cutting edge apostolic and prophetic strategies were defined and workplace apostles were affirmed and encouraged. However, there was one constant undercurrent at the conference that became clear to me. There was a heart cry, and almost a grieving, by some leaders for a lack of spiritual fathers in the American church.
FAMILY SECRETS
Saying that fatherlessness in the natural is a major problem in our generation is stating the obvious however, spiritual fatherlessness is not often spoken of and seems to be one of those deep dark 'family' secrets in the Body of Christ that is painful enough not be spoken of often. There is a high number of spiritual leaders in America who had to endure an 'orphanage' upbringing. The strong ones survived but many others perished. Some didn't know better and thought that the absence of spiritual fathers was normal and just pushed on anyway.
 PROPHETIC TO THE END
A month ago, I lost my greatest spiritual father (see 'Promotions' below). I had served Frank Houston for 17 years at Sydney Christian Life Center (now known as the Hillsong Church) before coming to America six years ago. I had spoken with Frank on the phone for an hour a day or so before he passed away and he was very positive as usual, even though he was really missing Hazel, his wife, who had passed away unexpectedly six months earlier. I was intending to visit Frank in Australia next February and the last thing he said before we hung up was, "Well, I am really looking forward to seeing you in February Jeff, but if I don't see you then I guess I'll have to wait to see you in Heaven." He was prophetic to the end.
Frank had the greatest influence upon my spiritual life and was a real 'father in the faith' to me. Most of what I know about ministry I learned from him. However, he was not the only 'father' I had! I could name several other people who fathered me to one degree or another, some still alive and others already gone.
PASSING THE BATON
Hearing the heart cry of several leaders in Dallas for the lack of fatherhood in their spiritual lives made me appreciate more than ever the input from men of God who took time to sow something into my life. They were able to make a difference in me that I am endeavoring to pass on to other younger men and women who are coming on in their faith.
Let me provoke you to jealousy! If, for whatever reason, you have not sought out a 'son' to raise in the faith, or if you have not found a 'father,' it is never too late to begin. Sons are looking for fathers; fathers need to respond!
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