LLC

Psychologists and educators are quick to emphasize the importance of those early impressionable years in instilling within our children values and attitudes which will prepare them for life. Many of the lectures on attitudes of leadership could be avoided if only people would heed the admonition found in some of our church nurseries:

"Teach them obedience in the playpen and

they won't have to learn it in the State Pen"

While these principles may certainly be learned as adults, God's plan for leadership in the church requires leaders who have come from orderly homes (1 Tim. 3:2-5). So instead of trying to teach leadership at the top, let's begin at the bottom, at the fundamental unit where instruction is first given - - the home. This being the case, it should be clear that the lion's share of the work load rests with the one who spends the most time the children, "mom." If it were not for "moms" there could be no leadership in the Lord's church. Indeed, the lack of sound leadership in the church today may be attributed to the fact that "mom" has been absent.

The father in the home:

1. What does God require of fathers? (Eph. 6:4)

2. List some ways in which the father may accomplish this. [We'll share some of these important thoughts with the class].

3. Can the father do these things effectively if he is not a Christian?

4. Can the father do these things effectively if he has not married a Christian?

The mother in the home:

5. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh (a) , not (b) , not (c) , teachers of (d) ;
That they may teach the young women to be (e) , to (f) , to (g) , To be (h) , (i) , (j) , (k) , (l) , that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:3-5).

6. Define each of the expressions used in (a) through (l) in question 5.

7. Which of the above expressions seem difficult to carry out today?

8. Do any of these ideas seem archaic (out dated)?

If so, which ones?

Marriage and the home:

9. In view of the above responsibilities of the man and the woman, What should be taught concerning marriage and the home?

10. What role should the father play in giving this instruction?

11. What role should the mother play in giving this instruction?

12. Explain the following proverb:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov 22:6).

13. Does this mean it is not possible for a child to go to Heaven if he were not raised by Christian parents?

14. From what we have studied thus far choose the best statement:

a. Children are best prepared for Heaven in homes where neither parent is a Christian.

b. Children are best prepared for Heaven in homes where one parent is a Christian.

c. Children are best prepared for Heaven in homes where both parents are Christians.

d. Children are best prepared for Heaven in homes where both parents are faithful Christians.

15. Why did you choose that answer in question #13?

16. For the eternal welfare of children it is best to teach them to:

a. Marry a faithful Christian.

b. Marry someone who is acquainted with religion.

c. Marry someone who agrees to "go to church" with you

d. Don't let religion interfere with your marriage plans.

17. It is possible for a child's family life to be a stumbling block to his salvation. (true?)/(false?)

Thought question:

What should go on in a Christian home to provide a proper atmosphere for getting children to heaven?

In the church, it can be shown that the best lea

---------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------

ders are those who were good followers. This means they will know how to lead because they are following the teachings of the Lord, and they will know not to be heavy handed or "lords over God's heritage" (1 Pet. 5:3). Yes these things can be learned as adults; but for the church to have good leadership, men must be trained in those principles that will prepare them for the eldership. The earlier the training begins the better qualified they will be.