DEALING WITH UNWHOLESOME TRENDS

6. What might be some unwholesome trends that could develop in a congregation, and what should the elders consider?

⁶ There are times, of course, when elders need to reprove individuals or, in a general sense, the congregation collectively respecting certain attitudes or actions. Unwholesome trends may be developing. Some may have lost ‘the love that they had at first’ and be seriously neglectful of their spiritual responsibilities. (Rev. 2:4; 3:15-18) Perhaps worldliness is creeping into their social gatherings. (1 Pet. 4:3) Certain ones may be engaging in hurtful gossip or may in other ways be failing to control their tongues. (Eph. 4:29, 31; 5:3, 4) Parents may be very lax in training their children. (Eph. 6:4) There may be those who are immoderate in drinking alcoholic beverages or who take liberties in their association with the opposite sex. (Eph. 5:18-20; compare 1 Timothy 5:1, 2.) When conditions of this kind exist in the congregation, it would be good for the elders to discuss together just what might be done to help individuals and the brothers as a whole.

8. How can Bible-based talks about undesirable developments in the congregation serve as a reproof to the hearers?

⁸ On the other hand, the elders may consider it advisable to give Scriptural talks that come to grips with and reason on undesirable developments in the congregation. (2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:10-14) The clear, forceful Biblical presentation should move the hearers to examine themselves and to make the necessary changes in their lives. (Compare James 1:22-25.) When they recognize that the scriptures being considered apply to them personally, they will be reproved.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25, where the reference is to an unbeliever’s being reproved by what he hears at a congregation meeting.