The Hallmarks of a Godly Leader

We are continuing our series through Paul’s letter to Titus. Last week we examined Titus 1:1-4 in a sermon entitled: HERE’S WHAT MATTERS! In that message we looked at four things that really matter with God, those things are:

- PEOPLE MATTER (Titus 1:1)
- TRUTH MATTERS (Titus 1:1, 2)
- PREACHING MATTERS (Titus 1:3)
- FAITH MATTERS (Titus 1:4)

In Titus 1:5, Paul reminds Titus why he left him on the Island of Crete:

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…Titus 1:5

We know from the entirety of the letter that there were several things that Titus needed to set in order among the churches on the island, such as organizing the churches, refuting false teachers, and instructing in doctrine and conduct for the church family.

However, the primary task that was given to Titus was that of appointing elders in every Cretan town were a congregation was located.

Leadership is crucial for the success of any organization. As John Maxwell says, “Everything rises or falls on leadership.” The truth of the matter is, no corporation, no organization, no body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will rise above its leadership. The church especially needs competent leaders who by their integrity of life, maturity in Christ, sound theology, and authenticity in ministry, gain the allegiance of a congregation that knows the love and soul of their shepherd. They trust him (a trust that must be earned not demanded) to provide and protect, feed and lead, teach and tend to their spiritual needs.

You can go to the bookstore, and I go often, and see entire sections of books about leadership. Some of them are written from a Christian point of view, some are written from the secular point of view, and some are a combination of both. While it can be helpful at times to read these books and receive council from them, we must remember that godly leaders find their job descriptions in the Word of God and not in some marketing guide or CEO manual.

Contrary to what some leadership experts say, we are shepherds; we are not ranchers, managers, or corporate heads out to raise money, build buildings, draw crowds, and measure up to the world’s criteria for success.

Leadership in the local church is of such importance that the Holy Spirit addressed it in detail four times in the New Testament: Acts 20:28-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4.

In each of these lists the Spirit emphasizes the personal character and theological competency of the individual.
God is interested first in the person, and then in their ministry. True ministry will come from a pure heart.

To be honest, this is one of those messages that make me squirm. Why? Because in a very real sense it is about me, and what God has called me to be and to do here at this church. As I studied this portion of Scripture, I kept thinking, this is what I aspire to be, a leader with all the qualifications that Paul addresses here. Not only that, as the Pastor, I must make sure that when I’m gone (either through retirement, the grave, or the Lord calls me elsewhere) then I must ensure that you know what to look for in a leader. Therefore, title of my message is this: THE HALLMARKS OF GODLY LEADERS.
So what is it that should be those characteristics of those who lead God’s people?