Titus is a book on Christian leadership that provides a plan for developing a healthy church that’s not quick and easy but effective. In Titus 1:5-9 we discover that leadership is about quality. Paul presents Titus and us with a look at what leadership needs to look like in the church. It’s a call for godly character.
Author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek gets it right when he states, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” It’s also entirely accurate that as the leader goes, so goes the team. Leadership is vital because it brings guidance and direction, inspires, and is essential for problem-solving and decision-making.
In Titus, Paul presents us with a picture of godly leadership. Godly leaders are guided by principles and values found in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, and living for God’s glory as His under-shepherds, serving His people for His purposes. We all lead in a sense in the places we live, work, go to school, and play. Therefore, this teaching found in Titus speaks to all of us.
In Titus 1:5, we find out that Paul had left Titus in Crete to complete the work of organizing the churches. He was to straighten out any problems and appoint leaders for the local churches. This is vital since healthy leadership in a church is like a strong foundation that supports the entire church family, enabling it to reach new heights of spiritual growth and community impact.
In Titus 1:6-8 Paul lists the character traits and qualities of leaders. Paul begins by listing some positive qualifications in Titus 1:6. Leaders must have their family life in order. When appointing leaders, consideration must be given to their families. Their children should be Christian, of good reputation, disciplined in their manner of life, and obedient to their parents. It’s important to note that perfection in a family is not expected, but one aiming for godliness is of vital importance.
Paul proceeds to share some qualifications from the negative or otherwise stated what they ought not to be in Titus 1:7. Those in leadership must avoid bad vices. Leaders are stewards of God, ones who care for God’s household. Five vices are specifically prohibited. All five traits are of a self-centered person. Think about it. The essence of genuine leadership lies not only in the pursuit of success but in the unwavering commitment to moral principles. Through biblical integrity, leaders inspire trust, guide with wisdom, and leave a lasting legacy of righteousness.
Paul concludes his list by sharing some more positive qualifications in Titus 1:8-9. Those in leadership must cultivate biblical virtues, and their teaching must be faithfully instructing in the truth of the gospel. By contrast with verse 7, those mentioned here are to be evidenced. For instance, a lover of good is in contrast to what false teachers love. They are to be self-controlled, which is a characteristic of the Spirit-filled life (Gal 5:23). Godly virtue is the radiant light within us, illuminating our path with compassion, humility, and love, guiding us toward a life that reflects the divine goodness of Christ we, by His help, embody.
Lastly, Paul stresses that church leaders need to have a clear understanding of biblical truth. We need to be aware that charisma is no substitute for understanding biblical truth. In fact, the exemplary life of the leader is a product of sound doctrine (understanding biblical truth). In short,
we can’t emphasize either practice or doctrine at the expense of the other.
When we consider all these leadership qualities and characteristics, we discover that leadership development begins by having an understanding of articulated biblical standards. We need to know what the Bible says and stand on those standards. Paul instructs Titus to appoint leaders who have specific qualities and characteristics; therefore, the goal in finding leaders is recognizing those who measure up to biblical standards rather than shaping standards to fit the people.
For you and me, let’s consider the following. A church will not rise above its leadership. You and I will not rise higher than our self-leadership. A family will not rise higher than its leadership. Overall, we discover from this passage in Titus that the quality of the leadership determines the quality of the life of an individual, a family, or a local church.
What is truly remarkable is how unremarkable the leadership qualifications are and how they ought to be genuinely present in the life of every believer. Therefore, we believers should take some time to reflect on our own life and character. When we consider growing as believers, we should seek mentorship and guidance from experienced believers who exemplify these qualities. After all, there is little doubt that your life is a reflection of the voices you allow to speak into it. Lastly, let me suggest that we use Titus 1:5-9 as a basis for prayer and spiritual growth, seeking God’s guidance and the Spirit’s empowerment to embody these qualities. As we look at Titus 1:5-9, let us heed the call to biblical leadership, for it’s not a privilege reserved for a chosen few but a divine invitation for every soul to rise and shine within the grace and wisdom found within the sacred pages of Scripture. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!