Elders In The Church Series

Elders in the Church

Titus 1: 5-9

After a warm greeting, Paul immediately got to the heart of the matter. He was writing to Titus with purpose, seeking to equip him for ministry, while serving to establish local churches. The task at hand was ordaining elders within every city in Crete, so they could lead local congregations that were being planted. While not as widely referenced as the passage in 1 Timothy, Paul also laid outline biblical guidelines for pastors in the passage as well. In fact, the two passages are very similar, revealing the same requirements.

Paul refers to elders in verse five, and a bishop in verse seven. The word elder is translated from the Greek word presbuteros, speaking of an older man, but the term had become widely accepted as an official title – a term associated with leadership within the church. Switching to the term bishop in verse seven, it is apparent that Paul viewed the two words as interchangeable within the church. The word bishop refers to a watchmen or overseer. Again, when we compare this passage to the one in 1 Timothy, it is evident Paul is dealing with pastors within the local church. Whether they are identified as a pastor, elder, or bishop, the qualifications and duties are the same.

Let’s take a few moments to examine the criteria Paul established for: Elders in the Church.

I. The Charge to Titus (5) – For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. Paul revealed his expectations for Titus as he served in Crete. He dealt with:

A. A Matter of Order – For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting. Paul desired Titus to set things in order in Crete that needed to be addressed. This was an essential aspect of his ministry. If ministry was to be successful, Paul knew Titus would need to serve in a manner that pleased God and produced results. This is an interesting phrase. Consider the thoughts of John McArthur: The verb epidiorthoo (set in order) is comprised of two prepositions, epi ("upon") and dia ("through"), attached to orthoo ("to make straight"). It is from orthos that we derive orthodontist, a dental specialist who straightens and aligns crooked teeth. In ancient times, the term was used of setting broken bones and straightening bent limbs, a function of the medical specialty that today we call orthopedics. (i)

B. A Matter of Ordination – For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. As I mentioned in the introduction, the most pressing matter Titus needed to address was ordaining elders in every city in order for the local congregations to have leadership. This was not just a matter of personal preference, but of conviction. Paul knew the churches must have solid, biblical leadership if they were to endure the difficulties they faced and thrive in such an environment. The challenges were many, and leadership was essential. Titus 1:10 – For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision.

II. The Qualifications for Elders (6-9) – Just as Paul had done for the young pastor Timothy, he also sent a list of qualifications unto Titus for the elders at Crete. Many seem to ignore these biblical qualifications, but they are eternally preserved for our benefit. Paul mentioned three areas in which a man must be examined and found worthy. He is to be examined:

A. Socially (6) – If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. Paul first mentioned the social aspect regarding the qualifications of an elder. Consider:

His Reputation – If any be blameless. He must be “above reproach; not open to attack; not able to be criticized by the enemy at all.”

His Devotion – If any be…the husband of one wife. This has the idea of being “a one-woman man; being completely and wholly devoted to his wife.” William Barclay said, “he must be a loyal husband, preserving marriage in all its purity." I believe in order to meet this qualification, the pastor cannot have been divorced and remarried.

His Administration – having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. Paul knew it was imperative for a man to lead his family well if he was to lead the church and have the respect of the community. His children were a reflection of him. Paul further adds to this in 1 Timothy 3:5.

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) This does not mean that every pastor’s child will be a life-long committed servant of the Lord. It does not imply that every pastor’s child will be saved by grace. It does require that the pastor faithfully and biblically lead his family, setting the example first at home, then in the church.