A Biblical Mandate for Godly Leadership in the Church

Dr. Alexander Kurian

Leadership ministries should be shaped with biblical mandates. Several men involved in the ministries of the church feel the urge and need to lead, and sometimes even the call to lead, but do not know how. Leadership is an integral part of the core of ministry (service) in the church. God’s Word requires that those who are called to lead God’s flock should provide Shepherd leadership (pastoral oversight) to them. The “equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” is vested with the equipping leaders of the church (Eph.4:11-12). God’s pattern of ministry for the building up of the body of Christ begins with the gifted men whom God raises up to equip the people of God. They have a unique place in the plan and purpose of God.

If the Lord has placed you in a leadership role/ministry, or if the Lord is calling you to take greater leadership responsibilities in the church, be ready to serve as a servant-leader. And a shepherd-leader. At the same time, build your ministry in line with: the biblical mandates, requirements, principles, and practice. Pay close attention to the foundational (basic biblical principles of leadership) and also the functional aspect (practically and effectively how to do your work). Sometimes we concentrate too much on the foundational and forget the importance of the functional. How we implement (practice/application) what we believe (theory/doctrine/principles) is of utmost importance. 

A Closer Look at the Mandate in Titus 1

The Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy & Titus) provide instructions about conduct in the household of God, and also describes the organizational structure and ministry of the church. There is a clear mandate for godly leadership in the church and the guidelines for the appointment and recognition of such leaders who are called “elders.” These elders have a great shepherding responsibility of the assembly.

Outline of Titus 1

Paul Reminds Titus of His Mission in Crete (1:1-16).

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1. Paul Greets Titus (1:1-4).

2. Titus must appoint elders (1:5-9).

3. Titus must silence false teachers (1:10-16).

An Expository Analysis of Titus 1:5-9

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Paul begins with a description of church leadership (elders) at the very outset of his letter to Titus. He gives full attention to maters of character. His focus is on the kind of leaders that the church should have. We can find a circular reasoning in the content of this letter. It is as though Paul is writing that church leaders/elders can be identified by their conformity to divine truth (1:5-2:10); Conformity to divine truth produces church leaders (2:11-3:11). The themes of the leadership of the church and the mission of the church run throughout the epistle.

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A command with urgency (1:5):

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“Set in order,” “straightening out” (Greek, epidiorthoo) – Titus is urged to carry the work further; in addition to what Paul had personally done earlier. This is important, and urgent; this responsibility cannot be neglected. This straightening out or setting in order has to happen because of the problems and threats addressed in the letter – unqualified leaders, false teachers and ungodly behavior.

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“What remains” / “the things that are lacking”– It could refer to the remaining disorder in each church or in the unruly churches which Paul had not visited. Or it may be a reference to the believers scattered about Crete, the remnant that has been left after the false teachers had attacked them. The situation is similar to the difficult times when churches transitioning from missionary led churches to native led churches (the transition from missionaries to local elders).

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Points to Ponder

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• Transitional times are dangerous.

• Developing churches face extra problems.

• There should be definite guidelines and strategies to solve these problems.

• The “setting in order” involves, first of all the appointment of godly elders. This is what Paul mentions next to Titus. This was a matter of utmost importance for the spiritual health and growth of the assembly. It should be treated with a sense of urgency. Remember, this is Paul’s first instruction to Titus.

• Most of the assemblies never pray for their elders or when they do not have godly and gifted leaders, never take the time to pray for this matter. The existing elders in most places are oblivious of these truths and seldom encourage the congregation to pray that the Lord may raise up qualified elders in their midst to shepherd the flock of God. In assembly prayer meetings, prayer is offered regularly for health, wealth, success and prosperity, and seldom for spiritual needs. Though we claim we deny “prosperity theology,” it seems we cherish it a lot!

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“Appoint elders” - The Greek verb kathistemi does not mean “ordain” (as an ecclesiastical ceremony, or laying on hands. It does not tell how the appointment or selection of elders was done). The word definitely means “put in charge” (Acts 6:3; Matt.24:47; Luke 12:44). The elders are to be in charge of the new assemblies. The appointment was necessary for the functioning of the assembly in the divinely-ordained pattern. To implement this command, Titus was first to discern which men in each assembly manifested the qualifications spelled out in verses 6-9. Titus would definitely help the assembly with further teaching and counsel to recognize these men as their spiritual leaders. All the functional details of how exactly Titus did this is not known. When the foundational principles are adhered to, the functional and practical matters can be sorted out as the assembly works together in unity and love.

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“As I commanded/directed/instructed you” – Greek word diatasso means “to order, set in place, establish” (the prefix dia means thoroughly).  Titus has been thoroughly trained and instructed on how to do the follow-up in relation to the appointing of elders. He knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Paul didn’t leave Titus to muddle his way through and to figure out what he should do. Titus was to train and equip another generation of leaders in the same manner in which Paul had prepared him (see 2 Tim.2:2). These matters were clear in the minds of Paul, Timothy, and Titus.  They were not doing a “guess” work.

After evangelization and establishment of local assemblies, the next most important thing in the mind of Paul was to appoint elders in these assemblies. Godly, gifted and spiritually qualified leadership was of utmost importance for the functioning of the assemblies.

Points to Ponder

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• Evangelists, church-planters/pioneering workers and missionaries in new spheres of church planting situation may have to take the lead or initiative in helping the churches to recognize their elders in accordance with Scriptural guidelines and qualifications. This is a matter of first importance.

• Every New Testament Church has to be under the oversight and leadership of godly elders. This was the pattern from the early days of the church. Paul’s ecclesiology is very clear in the Pastoral Epistles.

• In every local assembly, the present elders should take the lead in appointing elders with congregational involvement.

• It is interesting to note that elders are mentioned in the NT without any reference to how they became (or how they were appointed) elders. The form of selection is secondary to their qualification and function.

• The basic and foundational principle is given – the Holy Spirit appoints elders/overseers (Acts 20:28). Their qualifications are given in 1 Tim.3 and Titus 1. Numerous other guidelines can be seen throughout the Scripture in relation to spiritual leadership and its responsibilities. All these are given so that we may know who is an elder and who is not. This should be sufficient for us to make the right decisions depending on the Lord.

• Since elders are the spiritual and pastoral leaders of the church, they must be publicly recognized. The exact methodology can be flexible as it is not spelled out in the Scripture.

• Proper training and equipping was an integral part of Paul’s ministry. Titus and Timothy accomplished great things because they were trained by the apostles. Timothy and Titus continued their training of others (especially leaders) in their generation. The neglect of leadership training has adversely affected many assemblies. Godly and gifted young people should be trained by the existing elders so that they are equipped to serve the church in leadership roles.

• It is surprising that most of us in the assemblies encourage and support numerous training program – Bible schools, Bible colleges, Missionary training, Discipleship training, training for ministry among children and youth, training in evangelism etc. But we seldom care about the idea of   training in biblical shepherdology - the study of shepherding care of the church usually referred to as poimenics (Poimen means shepherd and poimenics refers to the ministry of the spiritual shepherd).

The Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)

Similar qualifications are mentioned in the parallel passage in There the qualifications are mentioned for the benefit of those who desire the position of an elder. But in Titus the qualifications are set forth to be a guide to Titus and the believers in an assembly for the recognition of elders.

We must note that it is godliness and character quality that is emphasized in their qualifications. These spiritual markers are not only for godly leaders, but for all Christians. The church must learn to accept these standards as normal and is expected of all Christians, or one will never get leaders like this. If we want leaders like this the whole congregation need to lift up their own standards. These qualification are not about being humorous, clever, popular, wealthy, educated, seniority, being good, nice and friendly, family background etc. It is all about godliness and moral purity in personal, family and social life. The reason for such a high standard is the fact that elders are stewards of God’s property. They are called to shepherd the flock of God.See how the church is described in relation to God’s ownership: Matt.16:18: ; Acts 20:28: ; 1 Tim.3:15: .

Summary of the Qualifications

• General qualification (1:6-7)

• Family Qualifications (1:6).

• Personality qualification (1:7b-8a).

• Mental qualification (8b).

• Spiritual and Moral qualifications (8c-9).

Verse 9: Elders must cling to the Word which is reliable and trustworthy (1 Tim.1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim.2:11; Tit.3:8). This designation, “faithful word” seems to be a formula for vital and valued truths; recognized summary of key doctrines.

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“As he has been taught” (Greek, kata ten didachen), literally, “in accord with the doctrine.” The elder must hold to the Word in accordance with the body of truth taught by the apostles (apostles’ doctrine, Acts 2:42).

Two Possible Interpretations:

1. The elder should hold the faithful word in his teaching ministry.

2. He must hold to the teaching that was imparted to him (he himself is taught and trained in the Word and he must hold on to it).

It seems that both meanings are intended here. Doctrinal correctness, conviction and stability is essential in pastoral leadership.

“Exhort and convict” (Greek, parakaleo and elencho). He should be able to exhort, encourage and convict. “Convict” is more than “reprove.” The word signifies beating down the arguments of the opponents and proving it baseless. It also has the specific sense “to show their sins and summon them to repentance (Matt.18:15; Luke 3:19; John 16:8; 2:Tim.3:16; Heb.12:5; 2 Peter 2:16; Jude 1:15; Rev.3:19).

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The elder must be committed to truth which accords with godliness (1:1). This qualifies him for two crucial activities in the church – “to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” He must be capable of teaching the believers in sound doctrine and also to convict and refute the false teachers (see 1:10-16). Doctrinal fidelity will give him a standing ability to perform a two-fold task – encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose the true Gospel. The entire epistle validates this requirement. Consequently the elders must be “apt to teach” (1 Tim.3:7). Titus 1:9 explains what is meant by “apt to teach.” The elder must minister on the authority of the Word of God.

"A pastor needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means for doing both so that the person who has been correctly instructed in Scripture will be able to guide those who want to learn and refute those who are enemies of the truth” (John Calvin).

The first quality is “above reproach,” “blameless,” “without accusation.” No charge is laid against him. The last quality is “holding fast the faithful word.” They form parentheses around the qualities in between. It begins in Character and ends in the Word – knowledge, commitment and giftedness.

The teaching responsibility is given a longer treatment than the other items. This is significant. While Paul spent only a few words on other items, his treatment of the last one is long and grammatically complex. Thus he emphasized the importance of an elder’s teaching ability and responsibility.

“God’s standard for all believers are high; His requirement for church leaders is to set that standard and model it. Such leaders are not qualified on the basis of natural ability, intelligence, or education but on the basis of moral and spiritual character and the ability to teach with skill as the Spirit sovereignly has equipped them” (John MacArthur).

Points to Ponder

• Most leaders are focused on getting degrees and theological education which is desirable. But remember, education and leadership training must be built upon real faith and character. When we lack character, we lack faith.

• We should never compromise or tone down these standards. If we do so people lose sight of the value of holiness and they will never want those values. Holiness attracts those with whom God is working.

• In areas we are deficient or fail in relation to these high and holy standards, we turn to God in repentance, receive forgiveness, healing, wisdom, grace and strength. Our commitment to God’s holy standards invites God to work with us fully and freely.

• We need to recognize that we are responsible to train character into our children. Character formation, spiritual disciplines, reverence for God and His Word should begin at home and also promoted in the discipleship program of the church. “Superficial spirituality” and entertaining, sporty religion are the norm today. Hence no thirst and hunger for the Word, doctrine or practical holiness. The result and consequence of this trend is seen in the unholy Christian leadership today both in the churches and in Christian organizations.

• Name the items in these qualities where you want to grow more and ask the Lord to help you.

• The teaching responsibility and ability of elders are minimized or neglected today.  It is a touchy area and so many elders will be disqualified and hence nobody wants to talk about it or teach the truth from the Word related to these issues. The plight of many churches reveal the incompetency of their leaders both in character and giftedness. “One-man” ministry is replaced by “any-man” ministry in many assemblies. “Priesthood of believers” is interpreted as “Preacherhood of all believers. “All are teachers, leaders and preachers” mentality have weakened our pulpits and believers do not have the blessing and benefit of systematic learning of the Word. Many people have left the assemblies, especially in the West for this reason and have joined other conservative evangelical churches where there is strong expository teaching of the Word. Let us not specialize in “Hit and Run” Word ministry.

• Consider the practical action plans you will adopt in your church to remedy these situations. What will you do in your church to restore and rediscover BIBLICAL ELDERSHIP?

• Let us commit ourselves to serve the Lord with “Integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands.”

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