Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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I had a discussion with some people about how important it is to have a spiritual guide or a third person between children and their parents. I was talking with someone who is married and has two teenagers. He does not agree with having a third person between him and his kids.

How I think of it is like having an argument with your parents, and you do not seem to agree. Thus, it is a 50/50 decision, either you or your parents. A spiritual guide here who understands each perspective fully would be able to come up with a decision. I do not know if I am correct.

Please explain (Bible verses as much as possible please) about how important it is to have spiritual guidance in your life.

Each one of us as Coptic Orthodox Christians must have a spiritual father from among our clergy to whom we confess and seek advice. You are free to choose this priest. Thus, he is the most important guide in one's life. Regarding the scenario you presented, it is not black and white. Every situation calls for a suitable approach. In addition, more clarification is needed regarding who this third person or spiritual guide should be, i.e., clergy, counselor, servant, relative, or who? In most cases, parents and children ought to resolve their issues between themselves. If they cannot, then consult with the church priest as the third person, unless their spiritual/confession fathers are different or serve in different parishes. If that is the case, then each one should discuss with his or her own priest or with the priest of the other, and ask him to intervene. Some priests may refer a situation to one of the Christian counselors serving in their church or diocese. Counseling is more effective when all the members of the family attend. Sometimes, people turn to their Sunday school servants, or a person they believe is spiritual or a mentor to help resolve matters. However, not all these servants or people are skilled in conflict resolution. Churches can conduct Christian family meetings, weekly, biweekly, or monthly, and invite specialists in the field to address parenting issues and help foster positive communication between parents and their children. Therefore, parents can be equipped with effective resources for handling issues on their own if and when these matters arise, or apprehend them before they are manifested. Prevention is better than cure. Conflict resolution is not just be going to a third person to resolve every issue.

This lecture is on equipping parents with spiritual leadership and also includes biblical references:
https://youtu.be/kmkLH5x72v4
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