We can be parents without having biological or adopted children. Paul considered himself a spiritual parent of Timothy, Titus, and the church of Thessalonica. God often places us within a circle of people whom we have the unique privilege and responsibility to be a spiritual parent. A spiritual parent is one who has the opportunity to influence and disciple another believer in Christ. Of course natural parents fit into this definition, but even those without children have this role. In 1 Thess. 2:7-12, Paul provides 7 qualities of an effective spiritual parent.