Titus 1. Welcome to the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus! As we read this short letter, you are going to find that it sounds an awful lot like Paul’s two letters to Timothy. There’s a good reason for that – Paul’s model was to plant churches as he traveled about the Roman empire (chronicled in the book of Acts). In some larger cities Paul stayed for six months, or even two years. However long he was there, it was never his plan to stay permanently and become their pastor.

Paul was always training other people to lead and oversee young churches. Remember his instructions to Timothy in Ephesus? What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

Now Paul is writing to another young pastor, named Titus, who was an ethnically Greek pastor on the island of Crete. 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 (Titus 1:5). Titus’ task is to designate leaders for young churches who will faithfully oversee the congregations and stand firm in good doctrine.

The list of qualification for overseers (Titus 1:6-9) parallels the list we studied in 1 Timothy 3. Overseers are to be above reproach, and their character is to be in accordance with a list of not these vices and yes to these virtues. Note that all the qualifications listed are related to the character of the overseer. None of them mention anything about what their professional qualifications are. Also, there is no mention of spiritual gifting either, other than being able to teach.

We must not underestimate the significance of appointing solid, spiritually mature church leadership.

Why? In Crete there were many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers… They are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach (Titus 1:10-11). The same is true in our culture today – someone must be willing to stand up and declare that some things are not true. Someone must be willing to correct false teaching and call out those who are seeking financial gain through ministry. This is one of many reasons why the church needs spiritually mature leaders.

As you reflect today on the challenges church leaders face, would you pray for your leaders? Ask the Lord to give them clarity and courage. Ask the Lord to reveal to them where there is danger and what they should do about it. Ask the Lord to strengthen them and continually call them to live above reproach.

And pray for yourself, that you too would live above reproach, a life full of good character. It is something all believers can aspire to. And who knows, the Lord might call you into church leadership one day.