What This Church Needs

Yes, everyone has their own opinion about what a church needs, but is it biblical? Last week we looked at Titus 1:1-4 and learned that Paul wrote this letter to Titus to encourage him in the task they shared in building up the church. Paul had been commanded by God to preach the gospel to all. He needed help to complete this task and he chose Titus to serve the church in Crete.

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Titus 1:5

So Titus was left the task of organizing the church and putting people in positions to carry out a plan.

If we use God’s chili recipe at our Super Bowl party, but each guest adds to the recipe, soon it doesn’t resemble God’s recipe at all. It’s not God’s chili any more!

This is what happened in the Garden of Eden. God had a perfect plan in place, but when Satan entered the picture, we added to the recipe – though it was important to add to it. The same thing happened after the flood.

So, God sent his Son to earth with a plan. The plan was like a fire hose though – powerful with the potential to do much, but it needs a fireman to hold it.

We are the firemen, leaders sent to hold the hose and get the fire under control. The mission for Titus is to:

• Identify the situation.
• Rectify it.
• Explain what was done and why.

Titus was left behind in Crete to see that these things were fulfilled. Paul’s job was to present the gospel, planting the seeds. But, the seeds need to be tended and that was the job for Titus and Timothy to fulfill.

The character traits of elders are found in Titus 1:5-9. These are to be held to tightly as this is the way God’s intention is preserved.

An elder must be:

• Blameless – holding tightly to God’s agenda with deep conviction.
• The husband of but one wife.
• His children believe and are calm and obedient.
• Being entrusted with God’s work he must not be overbearing, quick tempered, or drunkenness, not violent, or pursuing dishonest gain.
• He must be full of grace, compassion, quiet graceful, and forgiveness.

The life of an elder must be a roadmap to the heart of God. He lives out his life in acts of faith that others can see and emulate. The term “elder” signifies an aged man, not new to the faith. His task is to set things in order in the church.

The elder’s marriage, character, and faith should be above reproach. He knows the Word of God. He’s under authority of scripture and should refute those who oppose it.

He must have a firm foundation in Christ.

This position, as well as any position of authority comes with great responsibility. He is responsible and to be a guardian of the scriptures

His life reflects that he prays for the “one” whomever it is that needs his prayer. A firm foundation in Christ that is lived out in his everyday life. Calm, grace, compassion, forgiveness, quiet.

And as we know, the leader will be held to a higher standard. This position shouldn’t be accepted without consideration of the responsibility being taken on.

Read you Bible every day!

In Faith,

Pam