Not Just Anyone: Qualifications for Church Leadership

Titus chapter 1 provides a clear and sobering reminder that leadership in the church is not a matter of personal preference, popularity, or charisma, but of character and spiritual maturity. The church, as the bride of Christ and the house of God, deserves leaders who reflect the holiness and integrity of the One it represents. Paul’s instructions to Titus on the island of Crete were not just about filling positions, but about setting things in order—aligning the life of the church with the standards of God’s Word. This is not a task to be taken lightly, nor is it a set of requirements that only apply to pastors. While the qualifications are required for those who lead, they are expected of all who follow Christ.

The call to appoint elders—pastors—was rooted in the need for spiritual oversight and the cultivation of godly character. Paul’s list of qualifications is striking for what it omits: there is no mention of talent, intelligence, or outward success. Instead, the focus is on being blameless, faithful in marriage, able to lead one’s family, not self-willed or quick-tempered, not given to excess or greed, but hospitable, just, holy, and self-controlled. These are not just checkboxes for a search committee, but a mirror for every believer. The health of the church depends on leaders who are not only doctrinally sound but also disciplined in mind and action, able to exhort and convict with the truth.

The challenge is not to dismiss these standards as unattainable or irrelevant. Rather, every follower of Christ is called to pursue these virtues, recognizing that spiritual leadership begins at home and in the heart. The Christian life is serious business—spiritual warfare is real, and distractions abound. Like the Maasai tribesmen who have learned to ignore the lesser irritations in order to face greater dangers, believers must develop sober-mindedness and self-control, refusing to be sidetracked by lesser things when the enemy prowls like a lion. The journey requires toughness, focus, and a commitment to hold fast to the faithful Word, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of those we are called to influence and serve.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Leadership Is Rooted in Character, Not Charisma God’s standard for those who lead His church is not based on outward gifts or popularity, but on the inner life—blamelessness, integrity, and faithfulness. The absence of accusations that stick, a reputation for honesty, and a heart that pursues God are the true marks of a leader. This is a call to value substance over style, and to remember that God looks at the heart, not the résumé. [48:42]
• 2. The Home Is the First Proving Ground for Spiritual Authority A leader’s ability to guide the church is inseparable from his ability to lead his own family. Faithful marriage, disciplined children, and a home marked by order and love are not just private matters—they are public qualifications. If one cannot shepherd at home, he cannot shepherd the flock; spiritual authority is always tested in the most intimate relationships. [53:40]
• 3. God’s Design for Church Leadership Is Clear and Countercultural While the world may choose leaders based on any number of criteria, God’s Word is explicit that the role of pastor is reserved for qualified men. This is not a matter of cultural preference or personal bias, but of obedience to Scripture. To ignore or redefine these boundaries is to step outside the will of God, no matter how persuasive the arguments for progress may seem. [46:04]
• 4. Discipline of Mind and Life Is Essential for Every Believer Sober-mindedness and self-control are not optional extras, but essential disciplines for the Christian journey. The mind must be guarded and focused, the actions restrained and purposeful. In a world full of distractions and irritations, spiritual maturity means learning to ignore the lesser annoyances and stay alert to the real dangers that threaten our souls. [62:26]
• 5. Holding Fast to the Word Is the Anchor in a Shifting World Clinging to the faithful Word is not just for pastors, but for all who would stand firm in the faith. The ability to exhort and convict, to speak truth in love, and to guide others toward Christ depends on a deep, personal commitment to Scripture. In times of confusion and contradiction, the Word of God remains the unchanging standard by which we align our lives and lead others. [60:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [30:12] - Introduction and Prayer
• [30:49] - The Importance of Church Leadership
• [32:01] - Leadership in the World vs. the Church
• [33:41] - Why Not Just Anyone Can Lead
• [34:45] - Paul’s Missionary Journeys and Context
• [36:33] - Titus’ Role in Crete
• [37:24] - Setting in Order and Appointing Elders
• [38:08] - The Meaning of “Set in Order”
• [39:12] - Elders, Bishops, and Pastors Explained
• [40:20] - Qualifications for Pastors
• [43:45] - The Call to Blamelessness
• [46:04] - God’s Design for Church Leadership
• [48:42] - Character Over Charisma
• [53:40] - The Home as a Test of Leadership
• [56:06] - Warnings Against Self-Will and Anger
• [59:08] - Hospitality and Love of Good
• [60:40] - Holding Fast to the Word
• [61:49] - Sober-Mindedness and Self-Control
• [65:03] - Lessons from the Maasai: Toughness and Focus
• [69:49] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Titus 1:5-9 (ESV) — 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) — Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Observation Questions

1. According to Titus 1:5-9, what are the main qualifications Paul gives for someone to be appointed as an elder or pastor?
2. In the sermon, what does the phrase “the husband of one wife” mean, and what are some misunderstandings about it? ([49:18])
3. What does Paul say about the connection between a leader’s home life and their ability to lead in the church? ([53:40])
4. How does 1 Peter 5:8 relate to the qualities of sober-mindedness and self-control mentioned in Titus 1? ([01:09:01])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul focuses so much on character and not on talent, intelligence, or outward success when listing qualifications for church leaders? ([48:42])
2. The sermon says that the standards for elders are not just for pastors, but are expectations for all believers. Why might God want all Christians to pursue these qualities, not just leaders? ([41:54])
3. What does it mean for the home to be the “first proving ground” for spiritual authority? How might problems at home affect someone’s ability to lead in the church? ([53:40])
4. The sermon uses the Maasai tribesmen illustration to talk about being tough and focused. What does this teach us about the kind of mindset Christians need in spiritual warfare? ([01:09:01])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “God’s standard for those who lead His church is not based on outward gifts or popularity, but on the inner life—blamelessness, integrity, and faithfulness.” How do you tend to judge leaders—by their charisma or by their character? What would it look like to value substance over style in your own life? ([48:42])
2. Paul says a leader’s ability to guide the church is inseparable from his ability to lead his own family. If you are a parent or spouse, what is one area at home where you could grow in spiritual leadership or discipline? If you’re not, what does spiritual leadership look like in your closest relationships? ([53:40])
3. The sermon challenges us not to dismiss these standards as unattainable or irrelevant. Is there a quality from the list in Titus 1 (blameless, self-controlled, hospitable, etc.) that you find especially challenging? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([41:54])
4. The Maasai illustration was used to show the need for toughness and focus, not getting distracted by “ants and bees” when there are bigger dangers. What are some “ants and bees” (small distractions or irritations) in your life that keep you from focusing on what really matters spiritually? How can you practice sober-mindedness and self-control this week? ([01:09:01])
5. “Holding fast to the faithful word” is described as the anchor in a shifting world. What is one way you can cling more tightly to God’s Word in your daily routine? Is there a specific practice (like memorizing Scripture, journaling, or discussing the Bible with someone) you want to try or renew? ([01:00:40])
6. The sermon says, “Spiritual leadership begins at home and in the heart.” Who is someone in your life you influence, even if you’re not a formal leader? How can you be more intentional about setting a godly example for them this week? ([53:40])
7. The pastor said, “We are not just trying to win an argument. We are trying to win a soul.” How can you speak truth in love to someone who disagrees with you, rather than just trying to be right? ([01:01:11])