Faithful on Fridays Blog

There’s disagreement whether or not leadership is innate or learned; I think it’s both. Granted, Titus was undoubtedly born with leadership qualities Paul recognized; that’s why he chose him. However, being a leader in any organization also requires insight into the people they’re leading and a healthy balance of dispensing love, grace, and discipline. 

If you’re following along in your Bible you’ll notice Paul beginning with his purpose: to put into place what’s lacking in the new church plants. Earlier, Titus was part of the Corinthian Church learning the value of church leaders when he witnessed their reaction to Paul’s letter of correction. They received it gracefully and made some changes. Remember, Crete was an island full of pagan temples with worshippers of idols, therefore, Titus is surrounded by worldly people as well as God-fearing believers who need strength to stand in their faith; elders will help. 

Paul lists some qualifications for elders (vs. 6-9), also called overseers, so Titus could choose carefully reflecting on the everyday character of the people. Jesus called it ‘fruit’. 

So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:17, 20 

For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. Luke 6:43a

Paul is clear, church leaders should be older in age (elder), mature in faith, able to lead in grace, and will be recognized by the way they lead their lives and families. Instructing your family in the Word of God, trusting and defending it, are qualities Titus is to focus on. There’ll be those among them who oppose sound doctrine (Gal. 5:16-17) and Titus will recognize them by their fruit. Sound doctrine means your belief system is healthy, even holistic, with all parts working together as you seek to know God and His ways. 

Leadership was a focus from Jesus in His last two parables before His suffering and death; it was important to Him. In Matt. 24:45-51 He described wise and faithful servants who were selected to be in leadership over a household until the master returned. Their position gave them authority but the master also expected good fruit, faithfulness and wisdom, as they cared for the house. Then in Matt. 25:14-30 Jesus used this imagery again describing a master who entrusted chosen leaders with gifts to be faithfully used until his return. Point taken.

Lastly, the early church leaders carefully chose even more leaders, called deacons (Acts 6:3), who were full of the Holy Spirit, had good reputations, and already made wise decisions in life. It’s clear to me from this chapter of Titus that wisdom and faithfulness are sure signs of leadership capabilities in life and church. It was true then and it’s true today as well. May our churches heed this instruction from Paul to Titus as our leaders are chosen.