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Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 125

Why are superiors styled father and mother?

Read, reflect, and return to the Scriptures.

Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.

Scripture proofs: Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:7-8, 11; Num. 11:11-12; 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 2 Kings 5:13.

Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, B-26.