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A younger woman and with out those certain qualifications would spend her time being a busybody or looking for a man. A man or woman who had widows to care for, mothers, aunts or etc was expected to care for their own rather than becoming a member of the Church and giving the care of them to the Church. These people who had such responsibilities should work to take care of their own rather than becoming a member of the Church so that the Church would take care of them. These kind of things are what defiles the church. I sure don,t want to be one who takes part in that.

I think your post pointed out some very good points about the early church. It was very much focused on relationships and how to get along better. Much of Paul's writings and the lessons of Christ were how the church was to be different, to knit and grow together. Love between it's members was to be the identifying mark.

Paul summed it up:

1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Doctrine is important, but it's purpose is to teach us how to love God and how to love others.

I think your post pointed out some very good points about the early church. It was very much focused on relationships and how to get along better. Much of Paul’s writings and the lessons of Christ were how the church was to be different, to knit and grow together. Love between it’s members was to be the identifying mark.

Yes but i also believe what Paul said had a lot to do with the value of the Church body.

Any one can go to Church but it was the members who run the ministry so not just any one could be a member.

But i see your point, if an elder is bad mouthing the Bishop or his wife that does not show love.