Paul had assigned Titus to a tough congregation in Crete (v.12-13). The ministry there was a mess, and he was to “set in order the things that are lacking.” Order was to be brought out of chaos, and elders were key to it.
No church can rise beyond the level of its leaders. There are three primary Greek words for those in spiritual authority:
• Elder—presbuteros (Titus 1:5, 1 Tim.5:17). When we think of the word, “elder,” we usually think of someone who is old—and often the leaders in the church would be those who were wiser and more experienced. It is spiritual maturity, however, that is essential. That doesn’t always follow chronological age. Timothy was a young man, and yet capable of leading the church (1 Tim.4:12). We see that character is at the core (Titus 1:6-9). It is noted in 1 Tim.5:17 that elders are to “rule”—they lead with spiritual authority. Their labor is in the word and doctrine.
• Bishop—episkopos (Titus 1:7, Heb.13:7,17). It is obvious that we are taking about the same persons, just with a different description. The bishop isn’t a different class of leader, but this is a different characteristic of the same leader. This stresses their oversight of the church. In Heb.13:7 we note the church is to follow their message and model. Our response to their guidance brings gladness or grief to the pastor, and in turn is to the church’s profit or poverty. Follow your leaders if they are faithful. Fire them if they are not. What you don’t want is to fight with them over direction. Such a spirit of strife will not bring God’s blessing. Can you question, discuss, give opposing views? Of course, but just to be a critic and complainer about everything is harmful to the progress of the church. If this is your default setting as a member then you are the one in the fault.
• Pastor—poimeen (Eph. 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-4). This is the Greek word for shepherd—shepherds lead, feed, and bleed for the flock. Their motivation must be right (1 Pet.5:1-4). In this, the pastor serves with delight and not mere duty. He isn’t a professional doing a job, but a servant embracing a joy. We must never be motivated by money. There is no room for an ego-driven dictator. We lead the people as sheep; we don’t drive them as cattle! Our example makes our exposition effective—practicing what we preach. There is great reward, yet that awaits heaven. The pastor who is about finances and fame is a wolf in shepherd’s clothing.
There is a danger—power can corrupt. A plurality of elders is what the New Testament teaches. This affords a system of checks and balances. We know many big name preachers who got into trouble, basically from a lack of accountability. The depravity of the human heart cannot be overstated. I do not want or need unconditional control. Yet, if the pastor is to be given responsibility, he must also be given authority—but, with proper accountability.
Elders in the church ought to include the vocational staff, but laymen can certainly be qualified to serve in that capacity as well. Blessed is the church that has godly men to shepherd the flock!
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