Qualified to Shepherd: God’s Standard for Church Leaders

Sermon Title: Qualified to Shepherd: God’s Standard for Church Leaders

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Occasion: The Lord’s Day | Communion Sunday

Date: April 27, 2025

Opening Prayer

Father in Heaven,

We come before You now with humble hearts, eager to hear from You.

Speak through Your Word.

Shape us by Your truth.

Conform us to the image of Your Beloved Son.

We ask, Lord, that You would guard this time—remove distractions, soften hearts, and make us attentive to Your voice.

Build Your church through Your truth.

What we know not, teach us. What we are not, make us. What we have not, give us.

For Jesus’ sake we pray, Amen.

Introduction: A Church in Chaos Needs Shepherds of Character

This past Monday, the world watched as Pope Francis—the most recognizable religious figure on earth—died.

For many, he was seen as the spiritual leader of the global church.

But his passing, coming just one day after Resurrection Sunday, offers a providential reminder:

There is only one Head of the Church, and He does not die.

Jesus Christ is not buried in a tomb—He is risen, reigning, and ruling over His people now and forever.

The death of a pope exposes the fallacy of the papacy.

No man can serve as Christ’s substitute.

No office in Rome can replace the authority of the risen Lord.

The very idea of a supreme pontiff is not only unbiblical—it is spiritually dangerous.

It usurps the lordship of Christ and undermines the authority of Scripture.

And in moments like these, the church must be reminded:

Jesus alone is the Chief Shepherd, and He alone determines how His church is to be led.

That’s why today’s passage matters so much.

In a time when leadership in the visible church is often marked by abuse, compromise, celebrity, or confusion, we need God’s voice—not man’s—to define what faithful leadership looks like.

We don’t need successors to Peter—we need men shaped by the gospel, submitted to Christ, and qualified by the standards of His Word.

That’s not just true in Rome—it’s true in Sanford.

Today, many church leaders bear little resemblance to the Christ they claim to serve.

Instead of protecting the truth, they distort it.

Instead of shepherding the flock, they exploit it.

The question of leadership is not secondary—it is central!

Because when the leaders go astray, the sheep suffer.

So ever generation of believers must ask the same question:

Who is truly qualified to lead the church of God?

That brings us to Titus 1:5–9.

Having just walked through 1 and 2 Timothy—and coming fresh off the glory of Easter—we now turn to Paul's words to Titus, who was left in Crete to put the church in order.

Paul doesn’t hand him a blueprint for programs or strategy—he gives him qualifications for elders. God’s standard for leadership.

Not charisma, but character.

Not power, but stewardship.

Not innovation, but doctrinal faithfulness.

So if you’re taking notes, the title and subject matter of this sermon is: Qualified to Shepherd: God’s Standard for Church Leaders

Transition:

This sermon is not just for pastors or aspiring elders—it’s for all of us.

Why?

Because in Christ’s design, the church is not only elder-led but congregationally ruled and accountable.

It is the church body itself—you, the covenant members of Christ’s household—that ultimately affirms its leaders, guards its doctrine, and upholds its witness.

Which means:

This isn’t a leadership seminar for the few—it’s a call to discernment, devotion, and shared responsibility for the many.

When God’s standard for leadership is ignored, the church suffers.

But when it’s honored, the church flourishes.

So whether you are an elder, a future elder, or a faithful member—this word is for you.

Because healthy churches are not built by leaders alone, but by congregations who love Christ, love His Word, and insist on His design.

And Paul knew this.

So let’s begin where he begins, with the urgent need for godly leadership in Crete—and in our own day.

1. Godly Leadership is Essential for a Healthy Church (v. 5)

Titus 1:5 ESV

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—

Paul left Titus in Crete not to innovate but to complete what remained unfinished.

The Greek word translated “put into order” (ἐπιδιορθώσῃ) is a medical term used for setting a broken bone.

The churches in Crete had spiritual fractures—and the splint wasn’t programs or personalities, but qualified, godly leadership.

Titus was to appoint elders in every town so the churches could be set in biblical order.

Example:

I remember at the beginning of our church planting process, people would ask me “what do you need most as you launch this church?” And everyone expected me to answer, “we need more volunteers, we need more lights, etc.”

BUT my answer was always the same and it always shocked everyone I told- “what Ipray for more than anything else, what we need more than anything else as a young church plant, is to appoint faithful elders.” Pray that we would raise up and appoint faithful elders.

I know that if we desire to be a healthy church, we must pray and strategically raise up and appoint elders for the faithful task of shepherding God’s Church.

This is Gods design church.

We have to understand something very clearly this morning:

The church is not a human institution—it is God’s household (cf. 1 Tim. 3:15).

And just as a wise builder doesn’t leave a home without a frame, God does not leave His church without godly leadership.

Paul’s directive to Titus was urgent and specific:

Appoint elders in every town—not based on popularity, not based on gifting alone, but on character shaped by the gospel.

Illustration:

Imagine walking into a beautiful home with fresh paint and elegant décor—but no support beams in the walls.

It may appear impressive, but one storm would collapse the whole structure.

That’s a church without biblical leadership.

It may look fine, but without godly elders holding it together, it’s vulnerable to collapse.

That’s what a church looks like without biblically qualified elders.

It may appear fine on the outside, but without structural support, it won’t last.

I’m currently reading a biography on the history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. One of the first things they put in place was biblical order.

Every pastor since has testified that the church’s structure—its polity, specifically it’s leadership—rooted in Christ’s headship—has been the key reason the church has remained faithful in preaching the gospel for over 150 years!

That order has preserved its spiritual health to this day.

And this is exactly what Paul models throughout the New Testament.

In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church.

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul gives Timothy qualifications for elders and deacons.

In Acts 20, Paul calls the elders of Ephesus to guard the flock.

The New Testament pattern is unmistakable:

The health and endurance of the church is directly tied to the character and clarity of its leadership.

The pattern of New Testament ecclesiology (study of the Church) is crystal clear:

Local churches are to be led by a plurality of elders (qualified biological men) who meet God’s standards.

This is what Paul taught in Ephesus (Acts 20), what he instructed Timothy to continue in 1 Timothy 3, and now what he urges Titus to do in Crete.

Transition:

But Paul isn’t just telling Titus what to do—he tells him who is qualified.

If elders are the support beams of the church, then their integrity determines the stability of the whole house.

That’s why the very first qualification Paul gives is this:

2. Godly Leaders Must Be Above Reproach in the Home (v. 6)

Titus 1:6 ESV

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.

Paul begins his list of qualifications where leadership is most clearly revealed—not in public ministry, but in private integrity.

The proving ground for spiritual leadership isn’t the pulpit—it’s the living room.

If a man cannot shepherd his own family with grace, consistency, and truth, how can he shepherd God’s family?

The home is the microcosm of the church.

The way a man relates to his wife and raises his children gives you a window into how he will care for God’s flock.

And Paul highlights three key areas to examine:

a) Above Reproach

Paul uses the word “Blameless” (ἀνέγκλητος-anenklētos)—not sinless, but unaccused; free from legitimate charge.

It’s the kind of man whose life would withstand scrutiny.

As Calvin wrote,

“Not one who is exempt from all faults, but one who is marked by no disgrace that would lessen his authority.”

This speaks to reputation more than perfection.

The man’s life should not give cause for public scandal, hypocrisy, or moral compromise.

b) Husband of One Wife

Literally, a one-woman man.

Paul is not saying that an elder must be married, nor is he excluding those who have remarried after a spouse’s death or a biblically valid divorce.

The emphasis is not on marital status but on moral and covenantal faithfulness.

Is the man sexually and emotionally faithful to his wife?

Does he pursue purity in a culture saturated with flirtation, pornography, and relational neglect?

Is he known for honoring the marriage covenant, both in public and private?

Tragically, we live in a day when pastoral failure in this area is not rare.

In just the past year, nearly 100 pastors across the United States have been reported for involvement in adultery.

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wound to the body of Christ.

These men were entrusted to protect the flock, but instead preyed upon it.

They are not shepherds—they are wolves.

And their prey is often vulnerable women whom they manipulate with spiritual language and emotional leverage.

Church, we must be discerning.

We must be vigilant.

Paul is saying plainly here:

If a man is to lead God’s church, he must reflect Christ’s covenant love for His bride.

His relationship with his wife must be a living picture of “Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:25).

Nothing less will do!

c) Faithful Children

Paul goes on to say his children must be “believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.”

The word translated “believers” (πιστά) can also mean faithful or trustworthy—and that likely fits the context better.

Paul is not requiring regenerate children—that would be outside the father’s control—but he is requiring that while they are under his roof, his children are well-disciplined, respectful, and not living wildly.

This aligns with 1 Timothy 3:4, where elders must manage their household well, “keeping his children submissive.”

Why?

Because if a man cannot lovingly disciple his children, he will not be able to disciple a church full of spiritual children.

Real-life example:

A man may preach compelling sermons and carry a strong public presence, but if his home is full of tension—his wife feels unheard, his children walk on eggshells—something is deeply wrong.

Before we ever ask, “Can he lead the church?” we must first ask, “How does he lead his home?”

We ask that not of him, but of His wife and of His children.

There is a holy logic in this.

Paul is not being arbitrary.

If a man cannot govern his own household with love, order, grace, and authority, how will he be God’s steward over His household, the church?

Transition:

That question leads us naturally into Paul’s next emphasis:

Not just the home, but the leader’s personal character.

3. Godly Leaders Must Be Above Reproach in Character (vv. 7–8)

Titus 1:7 ESV

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.

Let us pause here for a moment.

After describing the elder’s home life, Paul now zooms out to examine his personal character.

He uses the word overseer to emphasize the elder’s function—he is not a celebrity or a CEO, but a steward.

A servant entrusted to manage God’s house, not his own empire.

And because he represents Christ, his character matters deeply.

Five Disqualifying Vices (v. 7)

So, Paul lists five must-nots—traits that have no place in the life of a church leader.

They are as folllows:

a) Arrogant –

A self-willed man is unteachable, always right in his own eyes, and unwilling to listen.

This kind of man turns every disagreement into a power struggle.

You can’t shepherd sheep if you always need to be the loudest one in the room.

b) Quick-Tempered –

Leadership requires self-control under pressure.

But some men go from calm to combat in 30 seconds.

If a man regularly lashes out in anger—at home, in traffic, or online—he is not fit to lead others.

c) Drunkard –

Paul isn’t forbidding the use of wine, but the abuse of it.

Any leader who is controlled by alcohol—or any substance—is not being led by the Spirit.

The issue here is mastery.

What masters the pastor matters?

It must be Jesus alone!

d) Violent –

This refers not just to fists but to forceful, bullying behavior.

The man who leads by intimidation—through harsh words, threats, or manipulation—is not a shepherd.

He’s a tyrant.

Sadly, we have plenty of examples of this over the course of the last few years.

Tragic.

Then lastly…

e) Greedy for Gain –

Ministry is not a platform for personal gain.

If a man sees the church as a way to advance himself, pad his income, or build his brand, he has disqualified himself.

Illustration from Today: This warning about greed isn’t just for the medieval church—it’s front-page news in ours.

Modern prosperity preachers like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, and Joel Osteen have built multimillion-dollar empires off the backs of the poor and vulnerable.

Kenneth Copeland reportedly owns a $7 million private jet and lives in a mansion worth over $6 million—all funded by "seed offerings" from people who were told their breakthrough depended on their giving.

Benny Hinn once claimed healings while flying first class and staying in five-star hotels.

Creflo Dollar infamously asked his followers to fund a $65 million jet.

This is not ministry—it’s manipulation.

It's not shepherding—it’s stealing.

And it’s all done in the name of Jesus.

Paul's warning in Titus is deadly serious:

Greedy shepherds devour sheep.

When ministry becomes a means for personal gain, it ceases to be ministry at all.

Brothers and sisters, this is why God calls His leaders to be above reproach—not just in what they preach, but in how they live.

Paul is crystal clear: there is no place for these kind of men in Christ’s church.

Six Christlike Virtues (v. 8)

In contrast, Paul now names six qualities that must define a godly overseer:

a) Hospitable –

Not just opening his home, but opening his life.

Is he warm?

Welcoming?

Does he make people feel like family or like a burden?

This is especially important in a church like ours—full of those who are hurting, new to faith, or far from home.

b) Lover of Good –

A man who delights in what God delights in.

He doesn't just avoid evil—he loves righteousness.

His playlist, his reading list, his habits—they reflect a heart drawn to what is pure and pleasing to Christ.

This is man who is Marked by Romans 12:9-21.

Genuine love.

A hatred towards evil.

And a strong resolve to hold fast to what God deems good.

He is not overcome by evil, but overcomes evil with good. (Rom. 12:21)

c) Self-Controlled –

A spiritual thermostat, not a thermometer.

He’s not reactive or driven by emotions, but stable—sober in thought, disciplined in desires.

d) Upright –

Just.

Fair.

The kind of man who would do the right thing even if no one was watching.

He doesn’t play favorites or compromise when truth is on the line.

e) Holy –

Not holier-than-thou, but sincerely devoted to the Lord.

A man whose life points upward, not inward.

A man who strive to look like Jesus.

A man striving to imitate Christ.

After all Spirit say’s through the author of Hebrews in....

Hebrews 12:14 ESV

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Lastly…

f) Disciplined –

He governs himself well.

His schedule, his spending, his speech—it’s not chaotic.

There is order and not chaos in his life.

He brings his life under the complete lordship of Christ by the Spirit’s empowering Grace.

There is no part of his life that is not touched by grace, and is not used to magnify the Lord.

Illustration:

Think of these virtues like spiritual muscles.

Not every elder is a bodybuilder in holiness, but he should be training.

There should be progress—gains in godliness.

Is he growing?

Is he striving?

At the beginning of last year, a good friend of mine that I work out with was out of shape—he was winded after just a short workout, struggled with basic lifts, and didn’t have much endurance.

But he kept showing up.

Week after week, he stayed disciplined.

Today, he’s not a bodybuilder, but he’s clearly stronger, healthier, and more confident than he was.

The results aren’t flashy, but the progress is undeniable!

That’s what Paul is calling for in leaders—not perfection, but visible progress.

Paul said it this way in 1 Tim. 4:15

1 Timothy 4:15 ESV

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Godly leaders aren’t called to have it all together—but they must be growing, striving, and training in godliness.

You see, Paul wants us to understand that character is the true currency of leadership.

Not talent.

Not charm.

Not charisma.

Character is what qualifies a leader.

Period!

We must not be Woo’d over ability, but confident a man’s character.

We must be looking for character over ability!

Transition to Point 4: But it’s not enough for a leader to live well—he must teach well.

Godly character must be paired with doctrinal conviction, because the church doesn’t just need examples—it needs truth.

Which leads us to our final verse and point .

4. Godly Leaders Must Be Faithful in Doctrine (v. 9)

Titus 1:9 ESV

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.

This is the functional heart of an elder’s calling:

Shepherding through the Word of God.

The phrase “hold firm to the trustworthy word” implies more than casual agreement—it speaks of unwavering grip, deep conviction, and personal allegiance to the apostolic gospel. (“Apostles teaching” Acts 2:42)

The word Paul uses for “trustworthy” refers not to personal opinion or church tradition, but to the sound, reliable, gospel message— “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Why is this non-negotiable?

Because the Word is both the food that feeds the sheep and the sword that fends off the wolves.

Illustration:

It’s like a parent sending their kids to school without lunch or locking the doors at night without a key.

Without the Word, the church has nothing to feed hungry hearts and nothing to fight off spiritual danger.

So, Paul ends with outlining two responsibilities here for faithful and qualified shepherds—exhortation and correction:

a) Exhort in Sound Doctrine

The word for “give instruction” is parakaleō—it means to come alongside, to encourage, to urge.

Elders must not only know doctrine; they must be able to teach it clearly, apply it wisely, and communicate it lovingly.

This is why not every mature Christian is called to be an elder.

Elders must be apt to teach (1 Tim. 3:2)—not necessarily in a pulpit, but certainly in discipleship, counseling, small groups, and leadership.

They help the flock grow in love, unity, and soundness of faith.

Illustration:

Think of a parent helping a child learn to walk—steadying, guiding, correcting, and encouraging.

That’s what faithful elders do with the Word in the lives of believers.

b) Refute Those Who Contradict

This word refute is strong—to expose, correct, and silence.

This is the hard side of shepherding.

It's not just about building up the sheep but also confronting the wolves.

Why?

Because false doctrine doesn’t just confuse minds—it corrupts hearts and destroys souls.

Paul is telling Titus:

“You need elders who are gentle with the sheep, but tough with error. They must know how to hold the line when the truth is under attack.”

Folks, we must wake up and come to realization that we aren’t living in neutral times.

We live in a world of doctrinal chaos—where feelings often trump truth, and many churches are more afraid of offending people than offending God.

Real Life Example:

We’ve seen this unfold with popular “progressive” Christian influencers—leaders who once seemed faithful, but slowly compromised.

They softened the gospel, abandoned the clarity of Scripture, and in time, led many astray.

Why?

Because they were not anchored in the trustworthy word as taught.

And churches followed them into the fog.

I recommend you read Jared Wilsons new book on this based on Hebrews 2:1, entitled “Lest We Drift”.

So what is this trustworthy word?

Well, we don’t have to guess—Paul tells us in Titus 3:3–7.

It’s the gospel of God’s mercy:

Titus 3:4–5 ESV

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy….

This is the message elders must bleed for.

Without it, the elder cannot lead—and without elders rooted in it, the church will drift, no matter how passionate, modern, or well-meaning it seems.

So the question this morning is not:

Can a man lead a team, build a brand, or speak with passion?

The question is:

Does he love the Christ and His Word?

Can he teach the word clearly, defend it boldly, and live it deeply?

Transition:

So, we’ve seen what God requires of those who lead His church—not ambition, charisma, or cleverness—but godliness, faithfulness, and gospel clarity.

And as Paul draws this section to a close, we’re left with a sobering but essential truth:

When the shepherds are healthy, the church is protected—and the gospel is preserved. But when they are not, the sheep scatter, the truth is distorted, and souls are devoured.

Where Christ-like leaders are absent, gospel light flickers.

But where they are present—by God’s grace—the church stands strong, the sheep are fed, and the gospel is passed on, burning bright for generations to come.

That brings us to our conclusion.

Conclusion: A Church Worth Passing On

Beloved, what kind of church do we want to hand down to the next generation here in Sanford?

That question is not theoretical—it’s personal, urgent, and eternal.

If we want to be a church that lasts—not just for a moment, but for a century—we must be a church that is led by men who meet God’s standard.

Not our preferences.

Not the culture’s expectations.

But God’s own blueprint for leadership.

We don’t need innovation—we need integrity.

We don’t need platforms—we need pastors.

We don’t need successors to Peter—we need faithful stewards of Christ’s Word.

This is why Paul wrote to Titus.

This is why this passage matters.

This is why this sermon matters.

I’ve been reading a book titled A Light on a Hill, which tells the story of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.—a church that, by God’s grace, has been faithfully preaching the gospel for over 150 years, as I mentioned earlier.

You might wonder:

What’s the secret?

What’s their strategy?

Surely that’s why the book was written.

But as you begin reading, you’re struck not by innovation or brilliance, but by something beautifully ordinary—an unspectacular yet unshakable commitment to Scripture, to prayer, and to God’s design for the Church and it’s leadership.

And it’s that very ordinariness—anchored in extraordinary grace—that has sustained them for generations.

Not by chasing trends or personalities, but by building the church around the Word and raising up faithful elders and consequently faithful regenerate membership, guarded it, lived it, and passed it on.

They committed themselves to being a “light on a hill”—and so must we, RCS.

So must we!

Church, I long for Restoration to still be standing generations from now—strong, radiant, and full of gospel life.

I want your grandchildren’s children to walk into this gathering and hear the same gospel, feel the same love, see the same faithfulness in leadership, and be changed by the same Jesus.

But that won’t happen by accident.

It will take bold faith.

Much prayer.

And deep, immovable fidelity to the Word of God.

Not for our name, but for His.

So, how should we respond?

If you’re a believer, here’s your call:

Pray for your elders.

Pray for more godly elders.

Support them.

Encourage them.

And aspire to grow in godly character.

Don’t spectate—participate in building a healthy church that reflects Christ.

The work of reformation doesn’t stop with the pulpit—it starts in your home, in your D-group, in your quiet time, in your daily faithfulness, and in your decisions and involvement in all church matters.

And if you’re an unbeliever this morning—hear this:

The message of Christianity is not “be a better leader,” but that the Chief Shepherd laid down His life for lost sheep like you.

Jesus Christ, the only perfect Overseer, was pierced for your sin, crushed for your guilt, and raised in power so that you could be forgiven, welcomed, and made new.

Come to Him.

Don’t look for man to save you.

Look to the One who conquered death and now reigns forever—the true and living Head of the Church.

1 Timothy 2:5 ESV

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

He came to save you and to be your mediator before God the Father, forever.

The pope cannot do this—he is just a mere man, like all the others who have held that title before him.

Throughout history, there have been 266 popes, and every single one of them has eventually died.

They have all passed away, returning to dust.

But only one true Mediator, Jesus Christ, can mediate for your sins and make you blameless before God.

Only He has the power to reconcile you to the Father because of His perfect life, death, and resurrection.

Christ alone is the eternal and living Head of the Church, and He alone is the one who intercedes on your behalf.

Come and be saved today friend.

You are why He came.

Transition to close out sermon:

Brothers and sisters,

Let us be a church built on Christ, shaped by His Word, and led by shepherds who reflect His heart—so that in 50, 100, or 150 years, Sanford might still shine with the gospel of our risen King.

3 P’S

Don’t stop participating.

Don’t stop proclaiming the word.

Don’t Stop Praying.

It happens after prayer.

So, let’s pray.

PRAYER

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Father,

We thank You for Your Word that speaks with clarity and power into our confusion.

Thank You for giving us Your Son, our Chief Shepherd, who leads us with truth, love, and righteousness.

O Lord, raise up godly leaders in our midst—men of conviction, character, and compassion. Preserve this church, we pray. Guard it by Your Spirit.

Keep us anchored to Your gospel and faithful to Your design.

May Restoration Church be a light on a hill in Sanford for generations to come—not for our glory, but for Yours alone.

And for those here today who have not yet bowed to Christ—bring them to repentance.

Open their eyes to see the beauty of the One Mediator, Jesus Christ, who alone can save.

Help us now, as we rise from this Word, to walk in obedience, to pray without ceasing, and to build faithfully for the glory of Your name.

In the strong name of Jesus we pray, Amen.