Journal: Eikon
Volume: EIKON 04:1 (Spring 2022)
Article: Pastoral Fatherhood: Understanding The Pastor As A Paternal Example
Author: Camden Pulliam

Eikon 4.1 (Spring 2022) p. 144

Pastoral Fatherhood: Understanding The Pastor As A Paternal Example

Camden Pulliam

Camden Pulliam (Ph.D.) serves as VP of Enrollment Management and Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Mallory, have three children, and he serves as an elder at Northside Fellowship in Kansas City, MO.

Introduction

In 1999, evolutionary paleontologist and Harvard University professor Dr. Stephen Jay Gould coined the phrase “non-overlapping magisteria” to describe the relationship between science and religion. He aimed to show that science and religion are miles apart because they deal with different realms or, “domains of magisterial (teaching) authority.” This article will not debate Gould’s thesis, but will use his taxonomy of magisterial domains as an analogy. The home and the church are two primary domains of spiritual teaching authority in the Scriptures. As such, one must ask, “Do these magisteria overlap? And if so, how?” The definitive answer of this essay, of complementarian theology, and of the Bible, is “absolutely.”

This essay will argue that the magisterial domains of the church and home overlap uniquely in the pastoral office, such that a pastor functions as a paternal example for the people of God.1 To make this argument, key biblical texts will be explored that depict the pastor in paternal terms, with one “problem text” discussed along the way. After surveying the biblical data, a theological sketch will be given to underpin an evangelical understanding of pastoral fatherhood in the church family. Finally, the practical impact of pastoral fatherhood will be discussed, demonstrating both the positive and negative implications.2

Eikon 4.1 (Spring 2022) p. 145

Biblical Overview

Throughout the Old Testament, various leaders are given for God’s people. Prophets, priests, kings, sages, and community elders all exercise authoritative roles in the history of Israel, and each of these ministries are depicted in fatherly terms.3 These paternal patterns in the OT then develop into a motif in the New Testament. Jesus Christ comes as the Son from the Father. His apostolic disciples, on whose testimony the church is built, are twelve men. These men plant churches, who appoint male elders to exercise oversight. But, perhaps the most vivid ecclesial representations of this motif are found in Paul’s ministry and teachings.

First, Paul regularly describes himself as father to in...