Bible Teachers with Wayward Family Members

[CarpeDiem]

Should Christian men who, themselves are saved, be allowed to teach Sunday school or lead small groups when some members of their families are living in disobedience? I know one person who is saved, has taught, even though his entire family is unsaved.

Is this okay in the church? What does the Bible say about teachers with unsaved family members?

[CountryPerson]

In I Tim. 3:4-7, Paul instructs Timothy regarding the qualifications of an overseer. vv. 10-12 of the same chapter speak regarding the qualifications of 'diakonos,' a minister, servant, deacon. No doubt, you are already familiar with these verses, but are wondering if they apply to teachers (group leaders). IMHO, I would say that they do, because our influence is greater when we are in spiritual authority over a group. In your OP, you don't mention the ages of his family members who are living in disobedience (this is something that needs clarification) Are they saved, but living blatantly unholy lives or are the family members outside of Christ, without making any profession of salvation whatsoever? Or are they children who are disobedient to his authority as their parent? Perhaps some more information would help all of us as we try to answer your question, which is a good one, and I'm glad that it is being asked.

[CarpeDiem]

While some of the family members of this particular person would appear to be unsaved, others could be living in a back-slidden condition. It is hard to say.

[matheteou]

While some of the family members of this particular person would appear to be unsaved, others could be living in a back-slidden condition. It is hard to say.You still side-stepped the question regarding his family members. Are they under his direct control, living at home? What about his spouse, what is her "condition"?

[Rodney]

What does the Bible say about teachers with unsaved family members?

The relevant verses would include these




Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.


I have high lighted the bits which talk about family members. Personally I'm not sure that from the above it is necesary that all the other family members be saved.

Seems though that the wife must be worthy of respect. Seems that the kids must also respect the leader in question and be obedient towards him.

I guess its concievable that the wife and kids could fullfill this criteria even if not Christian but probably helps if they are.

As others have said are these grown up adult children we are talking about or teenagers? I ask because I personally think it makes a bit of a differnce to the level of control and hence responsibilty you would expect him to have for their behaviour.

[trixie]

Please define "family member".

[LoudRam]

I guess its concievable that the wife and kids could fullfill this criteria even if not Christian but probably helps if they are.

As others have said are these grown up adult children we are talking about or teenagers? I ask because I personally think it makes a bit of a differnce to the level of control and hence responsibilty you would expect him to have for their behaviour.

I agree. My old Pastor had a daughter who was living in rebellion. She was an adult at the time. Should Billy Graham have stepped down because of Franklin?