Qualified to Plant Part 2: A Faithful Man with Faithful Children

In discussing the qualifications of a pastor, the text we’ll discuss today has often raised quite a few questions.  While the overarching message is clear enough, the details (and who they may disqualify) can dominate discussion on these two passages.   Let’s take a look at the passage in question:

if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. Titus 1:6

Let’s begin with the “husband of one wife”.  At the very least, this rules out polygamists.  Polygamy was practiced at the time of this letter.  Evangelicals are somewhat divided on whether or not this text rules out one who has been divorced.  If it does, it is the only description that deals with a past offense.  Further, there are other ways that Paul could have clearly ruled out those who have been divorced, yet he chose this language.  Each church must search the Word and pray for guidance as they work through this issue.

I do not wish to evade the issue presented above.  I have my personal feelings, but I think our time is better spent examining what it means, biblically to be a husband.  Ephesians 5 shows us that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church.  We are exhibit patient, compassionate, leading, and sacrificial love to our wives.  We are to point our wives to the Father and disciple them into greater knowledge and affection for God.  We are to put their spiritual well being ahead of our personal comfort or safety.  These are no small tasks and the calling to be an elder is no small calling.

The other hotly debated topic is whether or not the children of elders have to be saved.  In 1^st Timothy 3, the term for “believing” is not used.  There the elder is to have children who are submissive and well managed.  It should be noted that the word translated “believing” can just as easily be translated faithful which would seem to support the overall idea in 1^st Timothy 3.  Even in Titus, Paul further explains “believing” as those who are not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.  Lastly, the term used here for children in the Greek is reserved for those children who are still living in the home of the Father.  At least, a qualified elder must have children who are faithful and subordinate.  And why? For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? (1^st Timothy 3:5).

So the picture of a biblically qualified elder is that of a faithful husband with faithful children.  In our culture faithful usually means monogamous.  In our text today, it means so much more than that.  Fidelity is more than sexual commitment (though it is not less).  A faithful man loves his wife sacrificially and takes her spiritual and emotional well being seriously.  He is an intentional father who intends to raise his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  These tasks are fundamental for the man of God.  May we all endeavor to be faithful.

Soli Deo Gloria