Who leads the church? The Apostle Paul, one of the most important leaders of early Christianity, understood very well that he was not the leader of the churches he founded; Jesus Christ was. Paul knew that he would not be around forever. In the book of Titus, he instructs one of his young pastors on how to select church leaders. Paul details the qualities of a dynamic leader, warning that pastors, elders and deacons hold a tremendous responsibility in guiding their flocks in the true gospel. Paul believed it is vital that church leaders “ Walk the Talk."

Author of the book of Titus Paul wrote this letter, probably from Macedonia. Date Written Around 64 AD. Written to Titus, the subject of this letter, was a Greek Christian and young pastor whom Paul entrusted to oversee the churches in Crete. Because these instructions on faith and behaviour are particularly relevant in an immoral, worldly society, they still apply to churches and Christians today.

Themes Faithfully following the gospel leads to godly behaviour. If a person believes in Christ, their actions will reflect those beliefs. Good works do not save us, but they do reflect our salvation. The church's survival depends on having godly men serve as pastors and elders. Their lives will serve as shining examples to attract others to the gospel. Paul lists several qualities of effective leaders.

Themes Leaders should be good citizens, obeying the laws and treating everyone with kindness. They should devote themselves to good works. Avoid quarrels and division within the church and discipline those who stir up trouble.

Subjects Titus and the Apostle 1:1-4 Titus and the Elders 1:5-16 Titus and the Church 2:1-3:11 Titus and the Future 3:12-15

Outline of the Book of Titus The church needs authentic leadership and will be destroyed by false teachers - Titus 1:1-16. True Christian leaders live by the gospel and their actions reflect their faith. Practice good works. Obey the government. Be considerate to everyone - Titus 2:1-3:8. Discipline false teachers and troublemakers. Cut them out of the church to keep it pure - Titus 3:9-15.

Titus and the Apostle Paul presents himself in a four-fold light 1.In regard to the father, he was a bond-slave 1:1 2.In regard to the Son, he was an Apostle 1:1 3.In regard to the Word, he was a preacher 1:3 4.In regard to Titus, he was a spiritual parent 1:4

Titus and the Elders Their qualifications 1.Blameless 2.The husband of one wife 3.Having faithful children 4.Not self willed 5.Not soon angry 6.Not given to wine 7.No striker 8.Not given to filthy lucre 9.A lover of hospitality 10.A love of good men 11.Sober, Just, Holy, Temperate

Titus and the Elders Their duties 1.To know the great truths in God’s Word 2.To exhort (encourage) believers 3.To convince (refute) unbelievers

Monthly Assignment – Feb 2015 To be presented before 02Mar Find who Titus is with scriptural backing 2.Why do you think we need authentic leadership (Fathers) in Church 3.Where else have you seen the Qualifications of an Elder mentioned? 4.Can you write three more scriptures where it is warned about the False teachers 5.Write honestly what you think of yourself, do you deserve to be chosen as an Elder under these qualifications??