First Timothy is the first of three so-called "Pastoral Epistles" attributed to the Apostle Paul. The letter is called "pastoral" because the author offers guidance to Timothy, a young minister facing daunting pastoral challenges in his church. It provides a strikingly relevant look into building up believers and growing a church today. As we study 1 Timothy, we will address teaching and understanding the Bible, the character expected of a leader, training to be an example to others, and building relationships based on mutual respect.

It's important to understand, however, that this letter isn't only for pastors. All who participate in the life of the church need to become better students of the Bible, members of a local congregation, and followers of Christ. Be open to how these texts speak to you. As you grapple with them, let your own personal journey be informed.

This unit is also a good opportunity to give laypeople the chance to "peek behind the curtain" and see what church leadership really looks like. The more open we are to the text, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the insights of our fellow group members, the more likely that this will be a transformative experience for us all.

NextSunday Resources offers Bible studies designed to help adults study Scripture seriously within the context of the larger Christian tradition and, through that process, find their faith renewed, challenged, and strengthened. We study the Scriptures because we believe they affect our current lives in important ways. Inside, you'll find a Study Guide and a Commentary for each Lesson. For more small group Bible studies like this one, visit nextsunday.com/nextsunday-studies/