Reading: Titus 1:5–16

Blameless – An elder ought to have a good testimony. He should have a good report among those that live in the community.

Husband of one wife – He ought to be a one woman man or better married only once. He is to be faithful to his wife and love her as God has commanded in Scripture. He is to love her as Christ loves the Church.

Having faithful children – He ought to be able to run his own household well. If he has children they are also to be a good example and a blessing to their parents. If he cannot raise a good and stable home then he cannot lead the people of God.

Not self-willed – He ought to have the interests of others in mind and not be self-serving.

Not quick-tempered – He is to be slow to speak and quick to hear. He is to be a sober man in all his dealings. He is not one who makes rash decisions especially on important matters such as within his family and the Church.

Not given to wine – He ought not to be a man that is given to strong drink.

Not violent – A man who is always looking for a fight is not ideal. A man who is always looking for a fight or to win an argument will not make a good leader.

Not greedy for money – He ought to be a frugal man and a good steward of money.

Hospitable – One who is charitable to fellow believers.

Sober – The elder ought to be calm and collected in spirit and temperate.

Just – In other words he is to be fair minded.

Holy – He is to be a man that is set apart. He is to display the calling of God in his life, work, and witness.

Self-controlled – An elder must be able to exercise control over his desires, feelings and emotions. This links closely to not being quick-tempered.

Questions to Consider

Crete is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea which had a large population of Jews. In verse 5 Paul writes about the things that are lacking.

What do you think the believers of Crete were lacking?

There were a number of elders appointed to the various churches that Paul wrote to. Paul knew that every church needed good strong leadership. The men chosen to be elders were godly men of sound doctrine who helped the believers grow in faith and in spiritual maturity.

What is the role of an elder and why are they needed?

Paul gives a brief description of the qualifications that is required of an elder. Most of these points are based on character not on skill or academic knowledge.

Why is it important for an elder to have these qualifications?