Topical Bible: Ministers: should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families

◄ Ministers: should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The role of a minister in the Christian church is one of profound responsibility and influence. A key aspect of this role is the ability to manage one's own household effectively, as it serves as a microcosm of the larger church community. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of ministers being strict and diligent in ruling their own families, emphasizing that this is a prerequisite for leading the church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy and Titus, outlines the qualifications for church leaders, underscoring the necessity of managing one's household well. In 1 Timothy 3:4-5 , Paul writes, "An overseer must manage his own household competently and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?" This passage highlights the direct correlation between family management and church leadership, suggesting that the skills and discipline required to lead a family are essential for overseeing a congregation.

Similarly, in Titus 1:6 , Paul states, "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and are not open to the charge of being wild or disobedient." This reinforces the expectation that a minister's family should reflect the values and discipline expected within the church, serving as a testament to the leader's ability to guide and instruct.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the family is often viewed as the foundational unit of society and the church. The minister's ability to lead his family with strictness and love is seen as a reflection of his capacity to shepherd the church. The family serves as a proving ground for leadership, where principles of discipline, instruction, and care are first practiced and demonstrated.

The expectation of strictness in ruling one's family does not imply harshness or authoritarianism but rather a firm and loving guidance that mirrors God's relationship with His people. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This balance of discipline and nurturing is crucial for ministers, as it reflects the character of God and sets a standard for the congregation.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, a minister's ability to manage his family effectively can enhance his credibility and authority within the church. Congregants often look to their leaders for examples of Christian living, and a well-ordered family can serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Conversely, a minister who struggles to maintain order and discipline within his own household may face challenges in gaining the respect and trust of his congregation.

Moreover, the minister's family life can impact his ministry directly. A stable and supportive family environment can provide the emotional and spiritual strength needed for the demands of church leadership. On the other hand, familial discord or lack of discipline can distract and detract from a minister's ability to serve effectively.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for ministers to be strict in ruling their own families underscores the integral connection between family leadership and church leadership. By managing their households with diligence and care, ministers not only fulfill a scriptural requirement but also set a standard for their congregations, embodying the principles of discipline, love, and godly instruction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:4,12
One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Use of Humiliation
... I beseech every man to exercise a strict jealousy and ... If we did our duty faithfully,
ministers would find the ... If we should now prove stout-hearted and unhumbled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... dwelt the old-fashioned, sober, strict Moravians ... prince should settle what the religion
should be in ... he allowed them to ordain their own ministers; he informed ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

Disestablishment
... deviated so far from their earlier strict construction views ... The Congregational
ministers agreed to hold back and keep ... any time two or more should receive "an ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

On the Baptism of Christ.
... at present is not to render a strict account of ... the coming of the twelve disciples,
the ministers of Baptism ... grace, the change in your ways that should follow it ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the baptism of christ.htm

Justinian.
... Odoacer, was over, the necessity of ruling with justice ... He willed that all his bishops
should set their hands ... they use are: "We are the ministers of Providence ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... chief official of the police strict orders to ... her voice so that they should hear,
to ... landowners, merchants, judges, senators, governors, ministers, tzars, and ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... had enrolled in her armies and taken for their ministers and generals ... "Government
of subjects should be tempered ... is ruled well when the glory of ruling does not ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... God your Father will take strict, impartial account of ... where it is foretold that
Israel should be for ... to Diognetus (v.): they live in their own countries, but ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... the goddesses with the gods thus legitimated their offspring ... on his way; but he who
should be lucky ... heaven and earth,"and the desire of ruling took possession ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... addressed to Hrihor by one of the ministers of the ... the Tursha"one of these
elements"should have come ... The sovereign then ruling Assyria, but of whose name ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm