THE ROLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CHURCH MOTHERS
In this writing and bible teaching, I want to place the focus and emphasis on the importance of having Church Mothers in your local Church and defining their proper role within that local assembly, as well as, in the Universal Body of Christ globally. Now the majority of this subject and Bible teaching is coming based on Titus 2:1-5. This will be our foundational Scripture text. This is a particular area within the local Churches that have often been down played, overlooked, or in some cases even aborted, but the Lord is saying that this particular issue must be addressed and resolved immediately for the sake of the younger women both in the local Church, as well as in our communities surrounding the Church. First of all, before I go any further, let me quote what Titus 2:1-5 states; it says, 1) ”But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2) that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3) the aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4) that they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5) to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Wow! We can clearly see here that there is a very unique assignment, as well as a very important and powerful role placed on the aged or the older women of the Church, or we can say Church Mothers. Read also 1 Timothy 5:1-2. The Lord has placed them in his Church and in his Body for a reason and, it is time that the pastors both recognize and acknowledge this calling and charge that the Lord has given to them. Many churches and even some pastors don't know this, so correction has to come. Titus 2:3 starts out by addressing a specific people group, which in this case is the aged women. It continues by saying, “Likewise.” The statement; “Likewise,” is indicating that the same standards or qualifications for the aged men also applies to the aged women, plus the remaining standards, qualifications, and roles listed in Verses 3-5. In the Bible, you see mothers had the responsibility of raising a child to a certain point until they were weaned from the milk, and then are strategic in teaching them many things. In the later part of Verse 3, it says that they should be; 1) teachers of good things. Now verses four and five will now show us what these good things are that they should be teaching and to whom they should be teaching them to. The word of God is very specific. 2) In Verse 4, we see clearly that they should be teaching these good things and principles to the younger women. In Verse 4 we also see here that the aged women or Church mothers have the assignment of teaching the younger women; 3) to be sober. That word sober means to be self-controlled, wise, wise minded, or clear headed. Verse 4 also emphasizes that the aged women should be; 4) teaching the younger women to love their husbands. This is very important, especially in these times wherein the divorce rate is so high and the traditional Bible based family structure is under such heavy attack. A lot of arguments in the home can be settled with this very teaching. Now that's sound doctrine. Verse 4 also says that they should; 5) teach the younger women to love their children. A lot of children wouldn't be doing a lot of the things that they do in the schools and in the streets if they were properly loved and taught correctly at home. Now let me move on! Verse 5 says that they should also; 6) teach the younger women to be discreet. To be discreet really means to be moderate or temperate. It also means to be sober and not selfish or self-willed. This is an indicator of a meek and humble woman of God. That is so beautiful in the sight of God. See also 1 Peter 3:1-4. Another point of teaching here that Verse 5 says; 7) they should teach them is to be chaste. Chaste means to be clean, innocent, modest, perfect, and pure. Now wow! Titus 2:5 also brings out the point of; 8) teaching the younger women to be keepers at home. Now that should be self-explanatory. However, I don't want to take for granted that everyone knows exactly what that means. That word, “Keepers,” means to be domestically inclined, a good house keeper, and to keep the house clean. It also means to beware, to guard, and to manage the house. It even means to be a stayer at home. In other words, don't be out running the streets, or always over somebody else's house and all up in their personal business and trying to run their household. That type of person is a nosy woman with the wrong spirit and nature in her. See Proverbs 7:11-12, Proverbs 5:5-6, 1 Peter 4:15, and also 1 Timothy 5:13-15. Now back to the highlights of Verse 5. Now Verse 5 also states that the aged women should; 9) teach the younger woman to be good. It also tells the aged woman, or the Church Mothers, to; 10) teach the younger women to be obedient to their own husbands, so that the word of God be not be blasphemed. First of all, in order for you to teach them to be obedient to their own husbands, you first have to be obedient to your own husband. You cannot teach others what you do not live. Secondly, how are you going to be obedient to another man, whether pastor, prophet, boss, or father, but you won't even obey your own husband? That is out of order and disrespectful. See 1 Peter 3:1 & 5-6. Now that we have seen the purpose of having Church Mothers in the Church and have defined their role within the Body of Christ, let us implement the process of what God has ordained and declared concerning them. The ministry and mission of a Church Mother even goes far beyond the Church and into our communities as a vital part of street evangelism. A lot of women today that came up on the streets that turned out to be good women that have some good family values will tell you that came as a result of a Church Mother instilling that in them. It came from a little old caring Church lady that took them under their wings as her very own child and mentored them and taught them the right way, taught them right from wrong, and even taught them how to love their husbands and children, as well as, how to keep their houses clean. They also taught them to be a respectable young lady and how to have some respect for themselves. We must get back to the basics in life and ministry for the Lord and make a maximum impact in today's society. This is the answer to the problems in our marriages, our families, in our homes, our businesses, our schools, and in our communities. These Church Mothers have a mission to train, to teach, and to reach and to make disciples of women in all of the areas that are listed above from the word of God. Let all of us be about the Father's business. I hope this word and teaching have blessed you.