Fallacy of "Fathering"

Lack of Leadership
One of the foundational principles of Christ's ministry was that of freeing mankind from the tyranny of religion. We no longer need an earthly priest for reconciliation to God because of the work of Jesus Christ. We no longer need a person on the earth to "cover" us as the priest used to do for the people.
For a person to claim the title and role of a father is to create an environment that suppresses people. Mature leadership frees people from these titles and their subsequent roles. The Rock of NW Arkansas teaches a doctrine that is crushing people down rather than empowering them to lead.

What is "Fathering"?
One of the fundamental flaws taught at the Rock of NW Arkansas is a principle referred to as "fathering". This is simply another way of saying that we all need a father-figure in our lives. While that statement may be true, the fatal flaw that is taught is that apostles are to be a "spiritual father" to their congregation.

Why is "fathering" a flawed teaching?
This may seem harmless at face-value, but there are dangerous repercussions to this teaching. Primarily, the doctrine of "fathering" conflicts with Christ's ministry of freedom. "Fathering" conflicts with Christ's ministry of freedom for three key reasons: Christ taught us to call "no man your father", Christ never referred to his disciples as "sons", and the model of a family leadership structure was never advocated by the early church founders.

"Call no man your father"
Christ came to replace any who would stand between us and God! In Matthew 23, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and their abuse of titles. The Pharisees were using titles such as Rabbi (teacher) and father to manipulate people. In the same passage, Matthew 23:9, Jesus makes this statement: "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven" (NKJV).
This is a fairly straightforward statement that needs little explanation. But, for the sake of making the point clear, there is a distinction to be made between our earthly "dad" and a father-figure. Jesus was not saying to forsake our "dad". He was warning against those leaders that would oppress others with a title.
It is especially important to note the other doctrines around being a "dad". We are told to honor our father (dad) and mother (Exodus 20). We are told to submit to our father and mother in all things (Ephesians 6). The role and title of a father carries significant weight. It is no wonder that Christ taught to call no man your father!

Disciples Were Never "sons"
Throughout the gospels, there is not a single reference where Christ refers to his disciples as "sons". You will find references of "brothers" and disciples, but never "sons". Maybe Jesus took His own advice and avoided manipulating people into being His followers. Rather, Christ called the apostles His brothers! Jesus put us in the same hierarchy as Himself as an heir! In contrast, the Rock of NW Arkansas teaches the opposite: that Todd is the father and that the members in good standing are his sons.

Family Model Never Advocated
The early church founders never used a "family model" of leadership. First off, the apostles knew what Christ taught first-hand. The family model runs in direct opposition to the entire theme of Christ's ministry: freedom.
In Acts 15, we see an excellent example of how the apostles managed the early church. The point of this passage is that the Gentiles had been given the Holy Spirit and there was not a need to force them to abide by Old Testament law.
What we can observe is how the early church came to this decision. There was no oracle that stood and declared the "word of the Lord". There was no divine intervention. Rather, the apostles, the elders, and the church made a collective decision. Did they vote? We can't tell. But everyone was given opportunity to share their opinion and the leadership wrote a letter and established the doctrine.

Conclusion
These models are completely disregarded at the Rock of NW Arkansas. There is a "spiritual father" that calls himself an apostle. The members, if in good favor, are referred to as "sons" and the apostle is there "spiritual father". The leadership are also referred to as "sons" and given no authority. The presbytery is actually a group of men selected for the purpose of grooming rather than their leadership qualities. There is no voice given to the church members or leaders.
People that become actively involved at the Rock become "sons" to a man that has placed himself squarely between them and God. The result is that the people become weaker and more dependent upon him rather than on God. This runs in direct conflict with Christ's ministry of freedom.