Where Are the Priests?

Many homes lack the spiritual guidance of mothers and fathers serving as priests. The void left behind often leads to a search for meaning in all the wrong places.

Hi friends! I’m Pastor Chris and I write the Faith Unplugged newsletter. If what you’re reading inspires you, consider supporting my work by becoming a free or paid subscriber or by buying me a coffee.

You may not know my story. I grew up in a single-parent family. I never met my father, and my mother did her very best to raise three children. Fathers are such an anchor in the family. I don’t think they even know how important they are, and their children don’t realize the significance until those priestly figures are gone.

Growing up without a father wasn’t just a chapter in my life; it was the backdrop to everything that unfolded. I remember watching other kids at church with their dads, whether they were playing catch or just getting a ride home, and I couldn’t help but feel the absence in my own life.

It wasn’t just about missing out on those activities; it was about the void where there should have been guidance, encouragement, and a sense of security that comes from knowing there’s someone who has your back no matter what.

But here’s the thing: my story isn’t unique.

Many of us have grown up without that crucial parental figure—a father, a mother, or both—who were meant to serve as spiritual priests in our lives. This absence leaves us searching for belonging and purpose in places that never truly fill the void.

In today’s world, the need for spiritual leadership in the home has never been more critical. Society often rejects the gospel’s message of hope and love, encouraging self-gratification as the path to happiness. This quick fix can seem appealing, especially when you’ve experienced the pain of not having a spiritual guide in your family.

But this path often leads to more emptiness. Chasing fleeting pleasures only deepens the void, keeping us from the real satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Just as priests are called to guide and nurture their flock, parents are called to be spiritual priests in their homes, leading their children toward God’s truth and love.

We all crave deep connection, yet society pushes us toward a self-centered life that only leaves us thirsting for more. The absence of spiritual leadership in the home leaves a void that no earthly pleasure can fill.

So, we face a choice: continue chasing the temporary or turn toward the One who offers true fulfillment. Parents, especially, have the opportunity to step into their role as spiritual priests, guiding their families toward lasting joy and purpose in Christ.

We need priests.

Those patriarchs who set the tone for the family. Those who will seek God in the face of adversity and a culture that is desperately drawing them away. Someone to shut the door on the enemy and build an altar to the one who holds the world in His hands.

In the heart of the Old Testament, amidst the sacrifices and rituals, the prophets and the kings, there stands a group of people called to an extraordinary role: the priests.

These men were set apart, chosen to stand in the gap between God and His people, to offer sacrifices, to teach the Law, and to intercede on behalf of the nation. Theirs was a sacred duty, a calling not to be taken lightly.

But this raises a question for us today.

Where Are the Priests?

Not the Levitical priests, but the priests God has called each of us to be in our own homes, communities, and workplaces.

Where are those who will stand in the gap, who will lead their families in worship, who will live lives of integrity and service, who will proclaim the gospel not just with their words but with their lives?

The concept of priesthood in the Bible is rich and multifaceted.

In the Old Testament, priests were from the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron. They were tasked with offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle or temple, and teaching the people God’s Law. Their role was critical in the spiritual life of Israel; they were mediators between a holy God and a sinful people.

However, the New Testament introduces a radical shift in the understanding of priesthood. With the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, the need for a specific group of people to serve as priests was transformed.

In 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Here, Peter is not addressing a specific tribe or group but all believers. The priesthood is no longer limited to a select few; it is the calling of every Christian. We are all priests, set apart to serve God, to intercede for others, to proclaim His word, and to live holy lives.

But in a world filled with distractions, consumerism, and individualism, this call often goes unheeded.

The question we must ask ourselves is: where are the priests?

The Crisis of Priestly Leadership

In today’s culture, the idea of priesthood can feel foreign, even archaic. The roles of leadership, guidance, and spiritual intercession that priests once embodied have, in many cases, been delegated to pastors, ministers, or church leaders.

While these leaders play a crucial role, the biblical mandate is clear: every believer is a priest, responsible for living out their faith in their own context.

Yet, we see a crisis of priestly leadership, especially in the home. Families are often left spiritually adrift, with parents too busy, distracted, or unprepared to lead their children in faith. In many homes, spiritual conversations are rare, prayer is occasional, and the Bible is seldom opened. The result is a generation growing up without strong spiritual foundations, vulnerable to the shifting sands of modern culture.

This is not just a problem for families; it extends to every area of life. In workplaces, communities, and social circles, Christians are often hesitant to step into their priestly role. We shy away from sharing our faith, from offering to pray with a coworker, from standing up for what is right because it’s uncomfortable or might make us stand out.

But if we are to be the priests God has called us to be, we must embrace this discomfort. We must be willing to lead, to intercede, to serve, and to proclaim the gospel in every area of our lives. The world needs priests—not just those with titles or positions, but ordinary men and women who understand their calling and live it out with courage and conviction.

Embracing the Priestly Role in the Home

The home is the first and most crucial place where our priestly role must be exercised. The family is a microcosm of the church, a place where faith is nurtured, and spiritual formation takes place. Yet, many Christian homes today are spiritually malnourished, lacking the regular rhythms of worship, prayer, and Bible study that are essential for growth.

As priests in our homes, we are called to lead our families in faith. This doesn’t require a seminary degree or a perfect understanding of theology; it requires a heart devoted to God and a willingness to step up and lead by example.

1. Lead in Worship: Worship isn’t just something that happens on Sunday mornings; it should be a regular part of our daily lives. As priests, we can lead our families in worship by setting aside time for family devotions, singing praise songs together, and teaching our children to see every aspect of life as an opportunity to worship God.

2. Model Prayer: Prayer is the lifeline of the Christian faith, and it should be modeled and practiced in the home. Whether it’s praying together before meals, before bedtime, or during moments of crisis, we should make prayer a natural and regular part of our family’s life.

3. Teach the Word: The Bible is the foundation of our faith, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our families are grounded in it. This doesn’t mean preaching sermons at the dinner table, but it does mean reading the Bible together, discussing its meaning, and helping our children apply it to their lives.

4. Create a Culture of Service: As priests, we are called to serve others. This begins at home, where we can model Christ-like service by putting the needs of others before our own, by teaching our children the joy of serving, and by finding ways to serve together as a family.

5. Be a Safe Haven: The world is a chaotic and often harsh place. Our homes should be a refuge, a place where grace, love, and forgiveness are lived out daily. As priests, we can create a home environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved.

Living as Priests in the Workplace

Our priestly role doesn’t end at home; it extends into every area of our lives, including our workplaces. In a culture that often values success, power, and profit above all else, living out our priestly calling can be challenging. But it’s precisely in these environments that our witness is most needed.

1. Lead with Integrity: As priests, we are called to reflect God’s character in everything we do. This means leading with integrity, making ethical decisions, and treating others with respect and fairness, even when it costs us.

2. Be a Peacemaker: The workplace can be a breeding ground for conflict, competition, and division. As priests, we are called to be peacemakers, bringing reconciliation, unity, and understanding wherever we go.

3. Share the Gospel: We may not have the opportunity to preach a sermon at work, but we can share the gospel through our actions, our attitudes, and our willingness to speak about our faith when the opportunity arises.

4. Offer to Pray: One of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can live out our priestly role at work is by offering to pray for our colleagues. Whether it’s in response to a crisis, a challenge, or just the daily grind, offering prayer shows that we care and that we believe in the power of God to intervene.

5. Serve Others: Just as in the home, our workplaces offer countless opportunities to serve others. Whether it’s helping a colleague with a project, mentoring a younger employee, or simply being a listening ear, we can reflect Christ’s love through acts of service.

Standing as Priests in the Community

Finally, our priestly calling extends into our communities. In a world that is increasingly fragmented and isolated, the need for priests—people who will stand in the gap, intercede for their neighbors, and work for the common good—has never been greater.

1. Build Relationships: As priests, we should be intentional about building relationships with our neighbors and others in our community. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, engaging in conversations, and finding ways to connect with those around us.

2. Practice Hospitality: Hospitality is a powerful expression of God’s love. As priests, we can open our homes and our lives to others, creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

3. Advocate for Justice: The Bible is full of calls to seek justice and to defend the oppressed. As priests, we should be advocates for justice in our communities, standing up for those who are marginalized and working to bring about positive change.

4. Pray for Your Community: Just as the priests of old interceded for the nation, we should be intercessors for our communities. This means praying for our neighbors, our local leaders, and the needs of our community, asking God to bring healing, reconciliation, and revival.

5. Be the Light: Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, and this is perhaps the most important aspect of our priestly calling. In a world filled with darkness, we are called to shine brightly, reflecting the love, grace, and truth of Christ in everything we do.

So, where are the priests?

They are here, among us, in our homes, our workplaces, our communities. But the question is, will we answer the call? Will we step into the role God has given us, to be the priests He has called us to be?

The world is in desperate need of people who will stand in the gap, who will lead with integrity, who will serve others with love, who will proclaim the gospel with boldness. The world needs priests—not just in churches but in homes, offices, schools, and neighborhoods.

May we rise to the challenge. May we be the priests God has called us to be, living out our faith with courage, conviction, and compassion. And may we see our world transformed as we fulfill our priestly calling, for the glory of God and the good of all people.

What role do you believe spiritual leadership plays in shaping the faith and well-being of a family? Have you experienced the impact of a parent—or the absence of one—serving as a spiritual priest in your home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below; I’d love to hear your perspective!