● Must the minor children of a man who is recommended be believers?

Yes, Titus 1:6 says that the man should have “believing children.” This does not mean that such children must be baptized, but the indications should be that they submit to their father’s direction in religious matters. Of course, there are places where the law of the land makes it impossible for minor children to change their religion as long as the wife adheres to it. But even in such a case the father should strive to do whatever he can to impart spiritual instruction to them, and others should be able to see that his children are responding to the extent of the limits imposed upon them by the law.

● What is meant by the statement at Titus 1:6, “children that were not under a charge of debauchery nor unruly”?

This phrase has been variously translated from the Greek, “under no imputation of loose living, and are not out of control” (New English Bible) and “not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient.” (Today’s English Version) So the children in the recommended man’s home should manifest that they are submissive to their father and comport themselves in harmony with Jehovah’s righteous laws. They should not have a bad reputation in the community nor in the congregation. The conduct and habits of the children should not give a basis for serious doubt that the man is really exercising his headship in a firm, though loving, manner.