Do Elder's Children Have To Be Christians?

Let me plainly state what I think– NO. I know many will not agree with me on this but at least I hope all with think about it.

Titus 1:6 speaks about “believing children” and this is assumed to mean “Christian children” but look at the entire verse, “ If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having believing children not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.” (Titus 1:6.) The last part of the verse simple shows that the kids have a faith and trust in their father so as to be well behaved. That’s all. Don’t pull the “believing” word out and build a doctrine around it.

The parallel passage is in 1 Timothy 3:4 and Paul does not mention “believing children” but instead says an elder should rule his house well. There is no hint of a religious connection in Timothy. Also 1 Timothy 3:12 shows that deacons should rule their houses. A deacon has no rule in the church so why does he have to show he can convert his kids? Fact is every father should be raising his kids to have a respect for authority. This is especially true when considering elders and deacons. The kid’s conduct should be one of respect for the parent. All to often we see kids that don’t respect their fathers, being allowed to run wide, talk back, and disobey. These are exactly the situations Paul is addressing in Titus and Timothy.

Why does an elder have to have Christian children? To prove he can convert someone? What converts someone anyway? “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17.) Upon hearing the word of God, a person must have freedom to choose to allow their faith to move them to obedience to the Lord. The choice is with the individual, not with the one teaching.

Continued next week.