For the Sake of the Church

GETTING STARTED

As a pastor and missionary, I have written thousands of notes and emails to the staff that I have been charged to lead and train. In them, I try to let people know what matters most and to steer them towards ideas, strategies, and priorities that will make the biggest impact for good. You might be surprised how often the subject of leadership comes up. The quality and character of leaders can have an enormous impact.

  • Who are some of the leaders in your church you appreciate or admire? Why?

READ THE WORD: TITUS 1:1-9 (ESV)

1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

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.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What was Paul’s motive for writing this letter? What outcomes did he desire (vss. 1, 5)?
  2. What was Paul’s role in the encouragement of the people and the church (vss. 1, 3, 5)?
  3. What are the negative traits identified that might disqualify one from service as an elder? Which of them stands out as a trouble area for you?
  4. What are the positive traits needed for an elder? Why are these so important in the lives of those who serve people and the church?
  5. Would you meet the faith and character qualifications Paul outlines for those who are to be elders and overseers? Where do you need to see growth in your life and what is your next step of faith in that direction?

RESPOND TO GOD

For any pastor or missionary, ministry is not only about the day-to-day care, service, and teaching of others. It is also about providing for the overall health of the church by developing leaders who can serve with godliness and faith. We all know the effect of bad leaders in our world—greedy, arrogant people have destroyed nations, crippled economies, enslaved people, and killed millions. Bad leadership in the church has crushed the faith and hope of God’s children. It is tragic. Good and godly leadership in the church is critical “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect” (vs. 1).

  • Pray for the leaders of your church today. Thank God for their godliness and pray that God would protect them from sin and temptation.
  • If you have you been hurt by a spiritual leader, ask God to forgive them, and pray that God would renew and protect your faith and hope.