Pray that the family life of the staff and laborers will honor Jesus Christ
Pray that we might practice the art of hospitality for the sake of the Kingdom
Pray for Schofield Barracks (Staff: Ryan and Carrie Monts, Mark and Molly Schake, Jim and Wendy Cameron)
1Tim. 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Observations: One who leads the flock must be a one-woman kind of man. He is a good manager of the most basic organic organization known to man, the nuclear family. A test of this management is the how he is able to raise his children to maintain good behavior. It’s not good enough to jus keep his kids under control, it’s that he’s doing it in a dignified manner (with all dignity vs 4).
1Tim. 3:8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Observations: Even the basic leader in ministry has the fundamental requirement to manage his household well. Management of one household is a rudimentary evaluation and source of training for how one would oversee the ministry. The statement ”and their household” demonstrates that the leader in ministry is responsible for what goes on in the whole of his family (Wife, children, finances, social interactions, etc…)
1Tim. 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Observations: If taking care of the family is a fundamental Christian character trait lived by all than it is not only expected of a Christian leader of ministry but it should be modeled for the sake of those he serves
Rom. 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
1Tim. 5:10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.
Heb. 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Observations: Hospitality is a fundamental method of love for others. Having people in the home impacts the whole family and is an opportunity for the whole family to participate in ministry. For families this may be the beginning point for learning how to serve and help people (ministry).
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