Leading example - all about Church leaders today!
So, I did a diagram of what some Christian and non Christian people think church leaders should be like;
And now we shall see what Paul thinks!
v1
Just to start, your bible may say "overseer, elder, bishop, oversight, pastor, leader, supervision" etc, they all mean church leader. Just a million names for it. Paul says if someone wants to be a church leaders it is a good thing, they desire something good but although they have a calling into ministry, they have a certain specification for what they must be like, which is shown below. Purple for verse reference, orange for explanation, Red for other biblical references.
- Must not give people a reason to criticize him (v1) - blameless, honest and upright in general Titus 1:6a "An elder must be blameless"
- One wife (v2) - not necessarily married though, just not guilty of polygamy. Titus 1:6b "the husband of but one wife"
- Self controlled (v2) - meaning abstinence from alcohol as they are more likely to be awake, alert and will care for his church better Titus 1:8 "Rather he must be . . . self controlled"
- Wise (v2) - have a good understanding, so he can teach.
- Respected by others (v2) - good behavior and good manners
- Ready to welcome guests (v2) - receive strangers into their home, and generally be hospitable. Romans 12:13 "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
- Able to teach (v2) - communicate wisdom to others Titus 2:2 "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance."
- Not drink too much wine (v3) - same as before
- Not like to fight, gently and peaceful (v3) - not fight against people who may be against him 2 Timothy 2:24 "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
- Not love money (v3) - not love money, but also gain it honestly 1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs"
- Good family leader (v4) - being able to know his place, and put others in theirs by maintaining others respect. 1 Timothy 3:12 "A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. "
- Having children who are good and respectful (v4) - children reflect the leader, he can't control them, he can't control the church Titus 1:6c "a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient"
- Not be a new believer (v6) - if he's been a christian longer, he will have more experience. Inferences of new believers are pride and self-conceit. 2 Timothy 3:4 "treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"
- Must have respect of the people (v7) - doesn't have a former scandalous life, so people can't look at him with disgust.
v5
Interestingly, Paul says that someone who can't lead their church, how can they possibly lead the church. Good point Paul, good point.
Application
So there's a huge list to fufil as a church leader, it's not an easy job. These guys need special prayer and support and encouragement from us!!
Teach leaders to serve faithfully, at all times. Magnify the work of the church leaders to meet your objective. Let them lean not on their own understanding, but yours and your strength. Take them where you lead them, and bless them on the way. Give them a passion for serving those who are normally excluded. Help them to listen to those with more experience. Make families and church members supportive of what they do. Convert their plans into Yours. Amen.
(ps i just reworded it from somewhere else, it's not mine!)
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