Wisdom for a Young Head Coach
Week 11

I Timothy 5:17-21

Discussion Questions:

• What makes our senior staff members who display excellence worthy of double honor?  (v.17)  They’re worthy when they lead well and work hard.
• Who do you know who is worthy of such honor? Who on your staff is like this?  What distinguishes his/her work?  Tell us a story or give an example.
• How should we properly compensate our staff members who work hard at teaching and training?  (v.18)  Is money the only way to compensate?  How can we “pay” them in ways that are better than money?  Public recognition, attaboys with the team and staff, thank you gifts, encouraging notes, “good job” meetings…
• On what basis should one hear a complaint regarding a member of your staff?  (vv.19-20)  Only on the basis of two or three witnesses.  Not because of a rumor or gossip.
• If a staff member has committed a gross error, what is a proper forum for his/her correction?  (v.20)  Within the staff or possibly with the whole team.  Not in public or the press.
• Why would Paul warn so strongly against partiality and favoritism in keeping his instructions?  (v.21)  Partiality and favoritism are contrary to God’s righteousness and justice.  They pervert the principles that are foundational to our values.

Weekly Summary:

• Look for ways to “pay” your staff that go beyond money.
• Be careful to only hear complaints about your staffers that come with proper facts and credibility.
• Correct and restore those in error with wisdom and without favoritism.

Notes:

• Read the bible verse a loud at the beginning.
• The questions for discussion will appear in normal text like this.
• Suggested answers, discussion hints and follow up questions will appear in italics like this.