Sitting in the Delta waiting area in Atlanta late this evening, I’m deeply moved as I contemplate my day. Earlier, I participated in one of the greatest privileges of my ministry—speaking at the funeral service of Bishop W.D. (Jack) Watkins in Middletown, Ohio. Pastor Watkins was a champion among Church of God pastors for many years. When I could get still and quiet last evening after a full day of meetings and traveling, I pondered this sacred occasion and the significance it held for me personally as I prepared my thoughts for the service.
I recalled Paul’s words to the Corinthian church. “You have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet you have not many fathers” (1 Corinthians 4:15). Paul wasn’t complaining necessarily, but simply stating a fact. There are always more who are willing to instruct you than there are those who will father and mentor you.
I recalled the spiritual father that Brother Watkins had been to me. My first encounter with him was when I was 23. My next was when I was 39. The first was when I was a struggling pastor in Texas and he invited me to Jackson, Mississippi, for a revival. The next time, I was his state overseer in Southern Ohio and he served on the State Council. In both instances, by permission, purpose, and process, he continually spoke into my life.
While at the funeral today, I was stricken with the thought that we must have more spiritual and mentoring fathers. Teachers are usually available, but “fathers” are fewer in number. I’ve heard it said that “fathers can teach, but not all teachers can father.” I think I understand. No criticism here at all for teachers, but rather a cry for spiritual fathers and mothers who again, by permission, purpose or process will come alongside younger men and women, embracing and engaging them in spiritual fatherhood and motherhood relationships. By so doing, our ministries and daily lives will gain strength and stamina for years to come.
You see, while some won’t run from being a father, they don’t necessarily embrace “fatherhood.” Fatherhood involves begetting, but also loving, admonishing, setting an example, discipling, discipline and remaining. You can’t be an effective father, spiritually or naturally, without allowing for “fatherhood.” It just doesn’t work. Pastor W.D. Watkins embraced it. He was in it for the process and the “long haul,” as they say.
Raising up spiritual sons and daughters who will do the same for future generations is a blessed and preferred cycle of mature spiritual purpose and expression that I hope will become even more and more intentional as the years go by.
I will forever be grateful and thankful for both the teachers and the fathers in my life, but especially the fathers who taught me, admonished me and loved me, all at the same time. W.D. Watkins and others have done that for me. Now my prayer and aim is that in turn, I will most willingly do that for someone else.
But for tonight and days and years to come, I will miss my friend, one of my mentors and yes, a father in the Lord.
Tim Hill
