"An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife,[a] and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader[b] 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,[c] 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." (Titus 1:6-8)
I wish man once said "I'm looking for the best person irregardless of political party, of race or religion, or colour of their skin. Those things don't matter to me. I want someone who's qualified, who has a qualification to character and the integrity to do the things that have to be done to save this world."
When Paul told Titus to look for men to lead God’s work in the many cities and churches on the island of Crete, he told Titus to look for something very special: character.
– Going to seminary by itself doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.
– Being a good talker doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.
– Natural or spiritual gifts in themselves do not qualify one for spiritual leadership.
– What one gives in money or volunteer time does not qualify them for spiritual leadership.
– What qualifies a man for spiritual leadership is godly character – and godly character established according to the clear criteria Paul will list.
The list in Titus 1:6-8 (and in 1 Timothy 3:1-7) means that God has specific qualifications for leaders in the church. Leaders should not to be chosen at random, or just because they volunteer, or because they aspire to the position, or even because they are “natural leaders.” Leaders should be chosen because they match the qualifications listed here. It is fine if a man thinks he is called; yet he must also be qualified.
When Paul told Titus to look for men to lead God’s work in the many cities and churches on the island of Crete, he told Titus to look for something very special: character.
– Going to seminary by itself doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.
– Being a good talker doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.
– Natural or spiritual gifts in themselves do not qualify one for spiritual leadership.
– What one gives in money or volunteer time does not qualify them for spiritual leadership.
– What qualifies a man for spiritual leadership is godly character – and godly character established according to the clear criteria Paul will list.
The list in Titus 1:6-8 (and in 1 Timothy 3:1-7) means that God has specific qualifications for leaders in the church. Leaders should not to be chosen at random, or just because they volunteer, or because they aspire to the position, or even because they are “natural leaders.” Leaders should be chosen because they match the qualifications listed here. It is fine if a man thinks he is called; yet he must also be qualified.
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