The Unseen Pillar: Recognizing the Vital Role of the Spiritual Mother
By Gregory Toussaint | September 24, 2025
In the vibrant tapestry of the modern church, we often celebrate the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. We readily embrace the idea of having spiritual siblings to share our faith journey, offering mutual support and encouragement. We may also acknowledge the guiding hand of spiritual fathers, who provide vision, leadership, and a sense of paternal covering. But what about the spiritual mother? This crucial figure, often operating in the background, is a cornerstone of a truly healthy and thriving church family. Her role, though frequently overlooked and undervalued, is as essential as any other. Just as a natural family is incomplete without a mother’s nurturing presence, the spiritual family of the church is profoundly lacking when the role of the spiritual mother is not understood, honored, and fully embraced.
This is not merely a matter of ecclesiastical structure or terminology; it strikes at the very heart of how we perceive God and how we are meant to function as His children. The concept of family, in its most complete and holistic sense, is a direct reflection of the divine nature of God Himself. To neglect or diminish the role of the spiritual mother is to accept an incomplete picture of God and to settle for an incomplete experience of the church as the loving, nurturing family it is called to be.
The Divine Blueprint for Family: A Reflection of the Trinity
The concept of family is not a human construct; it is a divine original, originating from the very essence of God. The Scriptures reveal that God is not a solitary being but a community of three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This divine community, the Holy Trinity, functions in perfect unity and harmony, a celestial family. Within this divine family, we see the archetypes of the roles that are to be reflected in our earthly families and in the church. There is a Father, a Son, and in the person of the Holy Spirit, we see the beautiful and essential functions of a mother being carried out.
While it is crucial to understand that the Holy Spirit is a spirit and, therefore, has no gender, the Bible consistently attributes motherly roles to Him. It is the Holy Spirit who gives birth to new believers. Jesus declared to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). This spiritual birth is a supernatural act of re-creation, and it is the Holy Spirit who brings it about. Just as a mother gives natural birth, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual birth, bringing us into the family of God. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, a role that resonates deeply with the nurturing presence of a mother. In the same way that a mother comforts her children, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to soothe our fears, heal our hurts, and encourage our hearts.
This Trinitarian family is the divine blueprint for all human families and, by extension, for the church. The church is intended to be a “family of families,” a place where we can experience the unconditional love, unwavering support, and intimate connection that God has designed for us. When we come to faith in Christ, we become “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), which means we are adopted into His family and are meant to live as such.
The Missing Piece: Reclaiming Fatherhood and Motherhood in the Church
While the church has always embraced the idea of being a family to some extent, our understanding and practice of this truth have often been partial and incomplete. We are generally comfortable with the idea of having spiritual brothers and sisters. We readily use the terms “brother” and “sister” to refer to one another, and we understand the importance of fellowship, community, and mutual support. However, we often struggle with the equally important concepts of spiritual fatherhood and motherhood.
It is relatively easy to see a peer as a brother or sister in Christ, but it can be more challenging to recognize, submit to, and honor a spiritual father or mother. Yet, the family structure is inherently hierarchical, and you cannot have brothers and sisters without fathers and mothers. The family unit is incomplete and dysfunctional without them. A spiritual father provides vision, direction, a source of blessing, and a sense of spiritual identity. A spiritual mother, on the other hand, provides nurturing, comfort, wisdom, and a safe space for emotional and spiritual growth. Both are essential for a healthy, balanced, and fully functioning spiritual family.
The First Commandment with a Promise: The Foundational Law of Honor
The Bible places a profound and non-negotiable emphasis on the principle of honoring our parents. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul reiterates this timeless command: “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise) (Ephesians 6:2). This is not merely a helpful suggestion or a piece of good advice; it is a divine mandate with a blessing attached to it. The fact that it is the first commandment with a promise underscores its foundational importance. If we fail to grasp and apply this principle, we risk undermining the entire structure of our spiritual lives.
This principle of honor begins in the natural realm with our biological parents. We are commanded to honor them regardless of their imperfections, flaws, or failures. This is because they are our roots, our source, our origin. To dishonor them is to dishonor our own foundations, which will inevitably lead to instability and dysfunction in our lives. When we choose to honor our parents, we open up a channel for God’s blessing to flow to us and through us.
This vital principle of honor extends seamlessly into the spiritual realm. Just as we are commanded to honor our natural father and mother, we are also called to honor our spiritual father and mother. This is not about blind obedience, hero-worship, or elevating human beings to a position they do not deserve. It is about recognizing and respecting the position and role that God has sovereignly placed them in for our benefit. It is about honoring the office they hold and the grace they carry.
Jesus Himself provided a powerful and sobering demonstration of the power of honor. In His own hometown of Nazareth, the Bible records that He “could do no mighty work there” (Mark 6:5). Why was this the case? It was because He was not honored. The people of Nazareth, who had watched Him grow up, saw Him as nothing more than the carpenter’s son. Their familiarity bred contempt, and their lack of honor effectively short-circuited the flow of God’s power. The supernatural, the anointing, and the blessing of God all operate on the principle of honor. When we fail to honor our spiritual parents, we can inadvertently hinder the work of God in our own lives and in the life of the church.
The Power of a Spiritual Mother: The Compelling Story of Rebecca
The Old Testament narrative of Isaac, Rebecca, and their twin sons, Esau and Jacob, offers a compelling and insightful illustration of the profound influence and strategic importance of a mother. The story reveals that Isaac favored Esau, the rugged and skillful hunter, while Rebecca had a special love for Jacob, the quiet and thoughtful man who dwelt in tents. When Isaac was old, blind, and on the verge of death, he intended to bestow the patriarchal blessing upon his favored son, Esau. However, it was Rebecca who, with remarkable foresight and courage, intervened to ensure that Jacob, the son of promise, received the blessing instead.
At first glance, Rebecca’s actions may appear deceptive and manipulative. However, a deeper reading of the text reveals that she was operating from a place of profound spiritual insight and a keen understanding of God’s purposes. She knew, either through divine revelation or motherly intuition, that the blessing was destined for Jacob, and she was willing to take a significant risk to see that God’s will was accomplished. This story powerfully highlights the unique and indispensable role that a mother can play in the lives of her children. A spiritual mother often possesses a spiritual sensitivity, a discerning spirit, and a prophetic insight that can be absolutely crucial for the fulfillment of God’s plan in the lives of her spiritual children.
In the context of the church, a spiritual mother is a woman of wisdom, maturity, and discernment. She is someone who can see the hidden potential in people and help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of life in order to step into their God-given destiny. She is a nurturer, an intercessor, an encourager, and a source of unwavering strength. She is a woman who is not afraid to speak the truth in love, to offer gentle correction, and to challenge people to grow in their faith and character. She is a vital and irreplaceable part of the spiritual family, and her contribution to the health and growth of the church is immeasurable.
It is high time for the church to awaken to and rediscover the profound importance of the spiritual mother. We must intentionally cultivate a culture of honor where both spiritual fathers and mothers are recognized, respected, and released to fully operate in their God-given roles. When we do this, we will see our churches become healthier, more balanced, more vibrant, and more effective in fulfilling their sacred mission to be a loving family that reflects the heart of God to a broken and watching world.
Identifying and Honoring Your Spiritual Mother
Given the importance of this role, how can you identify a spiritual mother in your own life? A spiritual mother is not necessarily the pastor’s wife or the most visible woman in the church. She is a woman who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), who has a proven track record of faithfulness, and who has a genuine love for people. She is someone you can trust, someone you can confide in, and someone who will consistently point you to Jesus.
Once you have identified a spiritual mother, how do you honor her? Honor can be expressed in many ways. It can be as simple as a word of appreciation, a thoughtful gift, or an act of service. It can also involve seeking out her counsel, listening to her wisdom, and submitting to her spiritual guidance. The important thing is to be intentional about showing honor and to do it with a sincere and grateful heart.
A Call to Wholeness and Blessing
The message of the importance of the spiritual mother is ultimately a call to wholeness and blessing. It is a call to embrace God’s design for the church as a complete and healthy family. It is a call to honor our spiritual parents, both fathers and mothers, and to receive the blessings that God desires to pour out on us through them. And it is a call to become spiritual sons and daughters who are secure in our identity, who are submitted to spiritual authority, and who are passionate about advancing the kingdom of God.
Let us be a generation that champions the role of the spiritual mother. Let us be a people who are not afraid to be vulnerable, to be nurtured, and to be led. Let us be a church that is a true family, a place where everyone is known, valued, and loved. As we do this, we will experience the fullness of God’s presence, we will see the power of God unleashed in our midst, and we will become a radiant beacon of hope and a compelling light to a world that is desperately searching for a place to belong.
Conclusion: A Family Complete
The church, in its purest form, is a family. It is a place of belonging, a sanctuary of love, and a launching pad for purpose. But for this family to be complete, for it to be a true reflection of the heart of God, it must have both a father and a mother. The spiritual father provides the strength, the vision, and the covering. The spiritual mother provides the nurture, the wisdom, and the comfort. Together, they create an environment where spiritual children can grow, flourish, and become all that God has created them to be.
Let us, therefore, make a conscious effort to identify, honor, and release the spiritual mothers in our midst. Let us celebrate their unique contributions and create space for their voices to be heard. As we do, we will find that our churches become more loving, more gracious, and more powerful than we could ever have imagined. We will discover the joy of being part of a family that is truly complete, a family that is a beautiful and compelling reflection of our Father in heaven.
Group Discussion Questions
The sermon emphasizes that "honor your father and mother" is the first commandment with a promise. Discuss the challenges you face in honoring both biological and spiritual parents, both when it is easy and when it is hard. How can we separate the person from the office they hold?
The sermon mentions that Western culture often lacks respect for parents and authority figures. What specific cultural attitudes or practices make it difficult for us to embrace spiritual parenthood? How can we overcome these barriers while still maintaining healthy boundaries?
Reflect on the story of Rebecca, Isaac, Esau, and Jacob. How do you see the influence of a spiritual mother in ensuring God's purposes are fulfilled? Can you share an example from your own life where a spiritual mother's wisdom or intervention made a significant difference in your spiritual journey?
Recognizing Your Roots for Spiritual Blessing
Honor isn’t optional; it’s the key to generational blessing. In this message, Pastor Gregory Toussaint explains why honoring your biological and spiritual parents is essential to your growth and favor with God. Just as a tree cannot thrive if its roots are cursed, we cannot walk in blessing while dishonoring our source. Honor is the conduit through which God’s power flows.
The Power of Honor: How Fathers and Mothers Unlock Blessings
In this message, Pastor Gregory Toussaint teaches that honor is the spiritual conduit through which God’s supernatural power flows. From parents to pastors, when we honor those God has placed in our lives, both biological and spiritual, we unlock access to blessing, favor, and multiplication. Honor doesn’t depend on perfection. It’s about recognizing the position someone holds, not just their performance. The message also highlights the often-overlooked role of spiritual mothers, whose behind-the-scenes sacrifices make visible victories possible. Whether you're a parent, child, leader, or disciple—this message will challenge your view of honor and show you why you can’t walk in kingdom blessing without it.
Why You Can’t Ignore the Mother's Blessing
In this powerful message, Pastor Gregory Toussaint reveals how honoring both father and mother is essential for walking in God's blessing. Esau missed his blessing, not because of his father, but because he failed to honor his mother. Through biblical insights and real-life examples, you'll learn: Why spiritual blessings require heaven’s approval, how the mother’s quiet favor can open or close doors, and that honor is the conduit for supernatural breakthrough. Blessings flow through honor; ignore it, and you block what God wants to release.
