Qualified Leaders

The churches on Crete had been started by other Christians.  Many of those involved in starting the churches were Jews who had been saved, but were driven out of Israel before they were firmly grounded in the scriptures and still clung to the Jewish traditions, not understanding that while Christianity has some things in common, it is not just an extension of the Jewish religion.  In effect, they were Messianic Jews, living in non-Jewish communities, rather than Christians.  As a result, their teachings were a confusing mix of Jewish and local traditions.   Titus 1:5-6 explains why Titus had been left behind on Crete.   “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: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. “    He would need to help them get their doctrine (teachings) corrected, and train leaders who would be able to teach and lead the churches properly. 

It impossible to teach others what one to do what one cannot do himself.  Thus, it is critical that the pastor (also called a bishop or elder) be able to do what he is trying to teach the people to do.  Titus 1:7-9 describes the qualifications he must have.  “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” 

If the person is to succeed as a leader setting the moral example, he needs to have a reputation for honesty and sexual purity.    He needs to be meek, not demanding his own way, respecting the opinions and needs of others.  He needs to have patience, not getting angry when people do not do what he thinks they should.  He must not spend his time drinking or partying.  Money must not be a major concern for him.  He needs to be a person who likes having people around, associating himself with those who do what is right.  He needs to be serious minded, and fair in the way he treats people, living a godly lifestyle.  He must be able to control himself, emotionally, financially, and morally.  Finally, he must have a firm grasp and respect for the scriptures in order to prevent people from beilng lead away by false teachers.   

This last qualification is especially important, because as Peter pointed out, there are going to be false teachers in every group.  Titus 1:10-11 warns, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”  There were many who held to various religious traditions, but some of the most dangerous to the church were those who clung to the Jewish traditions, because they resembled what Christians believe, but place the emphasis on human actions rather than faith in Christ. 

Those who have not been properly taught are especially susceptible to such teachings, and the people of Crete were no exceptions.  Titus 1:12 tells us, “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”   The culture was such that the people of Crete thought nothing of lying about things.  They simply followed their own natural lusts and instincts with no thought as to whether something was right or wrong, and were very slow to change.    To bring them to a truly Christian attitude would require careful, consistent teaching as Titus 1:13-14 advises.  “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”   

Many missionaries who worked with the Navajos accepted the idea that alcoholism was a disease that the Navajos could not overcome.  Because the evangelists and pastors continued to drink alcoholism was a major problem, even among the churches.  Missionaries who took a strong stand had a hard time getting pastors at first, but gradually the problem decreased in their churches.  Similarly, churches that do not take a strong stand for biblical standards soon find themselves accepting false doctrines.  Paul warns Titus it will be necessary to take a strong stand against traditions and manmade ideas that focus attention away from what God commanded.    It is essential that the church leaders be solidly grounded spiritually so that they can take such a stand.    If not, the Christians will never grow to be what God intended.