After an extended period of reconciliation, Steve and Ernie return to discuss questions of discipleship. 

Ernie proposes the alternate term "spiritual fathering" to describe the relationship of Paul with Timothy.  He affirms that this kind of authority-based model, built around implicit trust in the "father figure," is essential for new believers.  However, he argues that:

1. A group of mature believers like The Great Reset wouldn't accept an authority like that
2. When it doesn't work, we blame individuals rather than the model
3. When it does work, it is hard for people to transcend the limitations of the father figure

Steve was wiling to concede those points, but didn't see that as sufficient motivation for pursuing a new model.  For his part, Ernie struggled to articulate what exactly he would do differently.

Will they be able to find an answer? Does it even matter?

References

• Automated Transcript