As clear as possible Jesus Christ himself had this to say:


Matthew 23:8-10

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Here Jesus clearly stated we should call no one: master, rabbi or even father but we are quick to identify spiritual fathers in the church. Worse still is the division caused in the church by this issue and Paul addressed this:

1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?


Is it valid for church leaders to call and regard themselves as 'SPIRITUAL FATHER and MOTHER'?

Over to the brethren.