SPIRITUAL COVERING
According to the teaching of spiritual covering, Christians are not only accountable to God but also to their leaders and elders. For biblical backing, supporters of spiritual covering cite verses such as Ephesians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, and 1 Peter 5:5. In practice many people have used the concept of spiritual covering to make an earthly authority figure an intercessor or a substitute for God in the life of the person or ministry that has the “covering.” THIS SHOULD NEVER BE THE CASE. This has led some Christians to consult their designated “shepherd” prior to making career or family decisions. In some cases, professing Christians have claimed that, given an apparent choice between obeying God or their shepherd, they would obey their earthly shepherd.
The "earthly shepherd" providing the "spiritual covering" is there to provide guidance on issues of morality and fairness, ecclesiastical endorsements and letters of good conduct whenever necessary, and in the case of "ministerial covering," to provide the necessary guidance in order to carry out as successful a ministry as possible.
Biblically, each person is ultimately accountable only to God (Romans 3:19; Matthew 12:36), not to any other person. Consulting with others for guidance (Proverbs 11:14) and being humble enough to learn from the wisdom of others (Proverbs 5:11–14) are commendable. Our approval comes from God, not men (2 Timothy 2:15). No person, strictly speaking, has the absolute right to declare our service to God valid or invalid (Romans 14:4). Mandating a human shepherd for our spiritual lives not only obscures our relationship to Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), but it can lead to division within the church (1 Corinthians 3:4–9). Jesus, in fact, speaks against excessive earthly authority in Matthew 20:25–28.
Submission to the Will of God is necessary for all people and for any activity that claims to be a “ministry.” Respect for authority (Romans 13:1), mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), and cooperation between believers (John 13:34) are commanded in the Bible. And relying on the experience and wisdom of others is a matter of common sense.
If you feel led by the Spirit to acquire a spiritual covering for yourself and/or your ministry, feel free to CONTACT US for more information.
The "earthly shepherd" providing the "spiritual covering" is there to provide guidance on issues of morality and fairness, ecclesiastical endorsements and letters of good conduct whenever necessary, and in the case of "ministerial covering," to provide the necessary guidance in order to carry out as successful a ministry as possible.
Biblically, each person is ultimately accountable only to God (Romans 3:19; Matthew 12:36), not to any other person. Consulting with others for guidance (Proverbs 11:14) and being humble enough to learn from the wisdom of others (Proverbs 5:11–14) are commendable. Our approval comes from God, not men (2 Timothy 2:15). No person, strictly speaking, has the absolute right to declare our service to God valid or invalid (Romans 14:4). Mandating a human shepherd for our spiritual lives not only obscures our relationship to Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), but it can lead to division within the church (1 Corinthians 3:4–9). Jesus, in fact, speaks against excessive earthly authority in Matthew 20:25–28.
Submission to the Will of God is necessary for all people and for any activity that claims to be a “ministry.” Respect for authority (Romans 13:1), mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), and cooperation between believers (John 13:34) are commanded in the Bible. And relying on the experience and wisdom of others is a matter of common sense.
If you feel led by the Spirit to acquire a spiritual covering for yourself and/or your ministry, feel free to CONTACT US for more information.