God's Design For Church Leadership
Pastor Chang Kim
Titus 1:5-9
Qualifications for Elders
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Introduction
Leaders must know where they are going. As go the leaders, so go the followers.
The necessity of appointing right leaders v5
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you
The term “remained into order” was used by medical writers to describe the setting of broken limbs. It takes time to straighten out lives sufficiently so that they can come together to create a new church, who become unified believers around the goal of seeking to glorify Christ and extend His Kingdom in the world.
2. The Qualifications of a True Overseer vv6-8
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
This passage teaches and shows us there should be no room for political maneuvering in spiritual leadership.
One’s actions and demeanor should not cause scandal or bring shame upon your reputation nor the reputation of the church. It is essential to set a proper example for the congregation.
For ministry to extend beyond one’s family it must first be established within one’s family.
Next qualification is that he is not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination
Debauchery is living with abandonment or squandering type of life, a lifestyle of uncontrolled, reckless indulgence, often excessive drinking and sexual immorality. It signifies a departure from God’s path, a pursuit of self-centered pleasure.
An overseer is not to have the following negative qualities He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. It is important he is not to be a person always pushing to get his own way.
3. The Competency of a Faithful Leader v9
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Elders are to protect their flock by guarding them from false doctrine.
Conclusion
Titus and as a church are to select elders because they meet the Biblical qualifications that God laid down for the church.
They are to be someone who can live out God’s Word and be an example for others to follow.
Above reproach, spiritually mature, self-controlled, hospitable, gentle and peaceful, not a lover of money, a good family leader and well respected.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean for an elder to be “above reproach”?
2. Why is the ability to “give instruction in sound doctrine” so crucial for an elder?
3. How do the qualifications for elders in Titus 1 contrast with or relate to leadership in today’s world?