Why call men on earth 'father' when Christ forbids it? Jesus forbids his disciples from calling anyone on earth 'father' as they have a Father in heaven.

Why do some organisations encourage their congregations to call their congregational leaders 'father'?

Is it an admission that their organisation does not result in their congregations drawing near to the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ ?


  And call none your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Matthew 23:9 KJV.
In Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus denounces the Jewish scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy in elevating themselves above others.  They wanted the common people to look up to them and address them as teacher and master, as father, as if they were the source of truth.  Jesus, however, taught that the source of all life and truth is God, and that no-one should seek a title that belongs only to God.  God as Father will not share his titles with mere mortals.  

In Matthew 23:7-10 Jesus explains why it is wrong to call men “father”:


  7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. (Matthew 23 7-10 KJV 1900)


Therefore, for any religious leader to ignore Jesus’ words is to suggest they want their followers to look to them as the source of life and truth, instead of looking to God.  There is but one Father, who is in heaven.  There is but one Master, Christ.

All Christians who have been born again are adopted into God’s family, and all are equal.  They all have one heavenly Father, whom they are privileged to address as “Abba” (Romans 8:15), and they all have one Master, Christ Jesus, who bought them at a price (Acts20:28).

Within the context of Jesus' words, it is clear he is not referring to a physical, earthly, biological father, but to religious leaders who seek to elevate themselves above Christ who is their Master.