Dealing With Your Spiritual Family

Dealing with the church family can be a challenge for the pastor.  The pastor must recognize that often the brethren may be battling personal sin in their lives and they need help and correction.  The church at Ephesus was having many sin problems and Paul had asked Timothy to care for that need as their pastor.  Timothy as a younger man was told to be wise in dealing with these people with their age and gender.  We are reminded of the need to be gracious with one another and their needs.  The older men needed to be encouraged and not rebuked.  The younger men didn't need a hard, authoritative hand on them but one of humility.  The older women needed a kinder approach like a mother.  The younger women needed a reminder of purity.  Also, the widows if not supported needed church help.

Primary Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-3