GOD’S DESIGN FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP
The Book of Titus #2
Keith O’Connor
Woodland Church
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
(Titus 1:5-9, NLT) “I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.”
God was working in Crete
I. The Necessity of Godly Leadership
(Titus 1:5, NLT) “I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.”
Paul Left Titus in Crete for Two Reasons:
1. Complete the work
2. Appoint elders
II. The Character of a Leader
(Titus 1:6-9, NLT) “An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.”
III. Paul Gives the List to Titus of the Qualifications:
1. Respected Publicly – How Others See Him
a. Blameless (vs. 6, 7)
b. Not Open to Accusation (v. 6)
2. Consistent Privately
a. Faithful to Spouse (v. 6)
b. Leads Children Well (v. 6)
3. Controlled Inwardly
What he is NOT:
a. Not Quick Tempered/Angry (v. 7)
b. Not Arrogant (v. 7)
c. Not Given to Wine (v. 7)
d. Not Violent (v. 7)
e. Not Greedy/Dishonest with Money (v. 7)
What he IS:
a. Hospitable (v. 8)
b. Love what is Good (v. 8)
c. Self-Controlled/Disciplined (v. 8)
d. Upright/Just (v. 8)
e. Holy/Devout (v. 8)
4. Grounded Biblically
a. Holds Firm to the Faithful Word (v. 9)
b. Teaches Truth – Sound Doctrine (v. 9)
Growthwork
1. Let God’s Word set the standard for your life
2. Be a person who loves what is good
3. Encourage and pray for church leaders and one another