I don’t have a spiritual father right now. Does that mean I can’t grow in ministry or be used by God? Some leaders made me feel that way.
— Brian T, London

Hi Brian,

Absolutely, yes — you can fully serve God without having a spiritual father over you. What qualifies a person for ministry is not a human figurehead, but the calling and equipping of the Holy Spirit.

In the New Covenant, Christ alone is our covering. There is no verse that teaches a believer must submit to a spiritual father in order to be used by God. In fact, the early apostles were called, trained, and sent by Christ Himself — and they led others not into dependence on themselves, but on the Lord.

The apostle Paul writes:

2 Corinthians 3:5 (AMP) — “Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency and qualifications come from God.”

The Greek word for “sufficiency” is “hikanotēs” (ἱκανότης), which means competence, ability, or qualification — not given by man but by God.

That said, spiritual mentorship is valuable. Paul mentored Timothy and Titus. But even that mentorship pointed them to Christ, not to himself.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (AMP) — “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

A true mentor won’t replace Christ in your life. They won’t demand control, submission, or tithes. They serve as guides — not gatekeepers.

So no, you don’t need to belong to a spiritual father’s circle to be accepted by God or effective in ministry. If you’re walking in truth, humility, and obedience to the Spirit, you’re in the safest hands — His.

In Christ,
Shaliach