Titus 1:1-7 The Unshakeable Foundation Of Leadership

Titus 1:1-4 The Unshakeable Foundation of Leadership”

Part 1 of a 3 Part Mini-series on Leadership from Titus 1.

Big Idea: God’s design for church leadership isn’t built on talent but on Christ-reflecting character that transforms, protects and advances His mission.

1. Calling

V.1-3 Paul’s greeting ties together his identity, mission, and theology: called, by God, to preach the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness. Why is preaching important?

1. Growth is accelerated in an organized church community and it challenges us in ways we would never likely do in our own quiet time.
2. Protection– External from outside attacks like culture and false teachers and internally- our deceptive hearts. Heb. 3:13 Exhort one another daily… lest you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

V.4-5 God’s design for order and leadership structure

• Bringing order to chaos
• Completing what’s unfinished
• Establishing local leadership; succession planning.

2. Character Eph. 4:13- we are to grow into the full measure and stature of Christ.

1. V.6 The Leader’s Private Life –

Husband of one wife: “One woman man”. The big idea: Faithful to his wife

Faithful Children: No pattern of wild disobedience.

1. V.7 The Leader’s Public Life – pitfalls:

Blameless– above reproach, reliable in integrity and reputation.

Arrogant– Preoccupation with self. Directing conversations back to me.

Signs: Constantly comparing yourself to others, seeking validation, dominating conversations or the sense that “I deserve this”. Or offended easily.

Solution:

• Practice Self-Forgetfulness: shift focus from self to God and others.
• Active Listening: In conversations, ask about the other person.
• Serve Anonymously: Do a kind act without seeking credit.
• Meditate on Humility: journal how Jesus’ humility challenges your pride.

1. Hot tempered– Do I react to level 3 events with level 8 intensity? Do I snap quickly?

Solution:

• Pause and pray: James 1:19-20. Lord, help me to be slow to anger.
• Identify triggers: Repent and ask for help to put on the opposite character ethic.

1. Excessive drinker– Greek: near wine. Anything that is controlling. Where do I spend my money, time, affections? Are they dominating and preventing me from my priorities of God, Spouse, family and ministry? It indicates an idol problem.

Solution:

• Get far: discipline yourself from that activity. Zero tolerance. Accountability.
• Get near: Set goals to replace it with affections to God.

1. Bully– One who lashes out. Arrogance + Pugnacious = emotional abuse

• Do I use harsh words, sarcasm, or intimidation to get my way?
• Have others felt hurt or afraid after my interactions and justify it as tough love?
• Do I struggle to apologize or admit fault after conflict?

Solution:

Reflect: Who have I hurt with words and action? Repent. Ask others.

Regulate: Before responding, ask, will this build up or tear down? Eph. 4:29

Resolve: Being a bully is a learned behavior. Learn a new one by intentionally practicing kindness and encouragement. Col. 3:12 (put on kindness, humility…).

1. Greedy– It says: I can’t trust God to meet my need, it is up to me.

• Do I hesitate to give to God, church, or others, fearing I won’t have enough?
• Is my budget centered on my wants over God’s kingdom?
• Do I view money or possessions as “mine” rather than God’s?

Solution:

Generosity: The only solution to greed is generosity. Start by faith.

3 key truths about biblical leadership:

1. Character Trumps Talent God’s design focuses on who we are, not just what we can do
2. Everyone’s Called to Growth the blueprint for Christian maturity for each of us.
3. Start Where You Are. Choose 1 quality to focus on. Implement the solution.

Personal Reflection Tool: Create a weekly journal based on Titus 1:7. For each trait, rate yourself 1-10 note examples, and pray for growth. Be accountable to a friend.

Grow Group Questions

1. With so many scandals so common, why do you think leaders so often fail at the character level? How has leadership brokenness (in church, work, or family) touched your own life?
2. Paul saw himself as called by God, not simply self-appointed or career-driven. What’s the difference between pursuing a “calling” versus just doing a job, and how might seeing your life as a calling change your attitude and decisions—wherever you lead?
3. Paul connects spiritual growth to life in community (not just private study). Describe a time when being part of a group or relationship made you grow in ways you wouldn’t have on your own. How can our group help one another grow in Christlike character right now?
4. Titus 1 challenges us to prioritize character over skills or charisma. Which specific character quality from this chapter stands out as most needed in your life right now? What practical step can you take this week to start growing in that area?

Statistics foot notes:

Gallup study- greed often trumps values. 60% of Americans distrust elected officials, per a 2024 Pew Research poll. Divorce stats: CDC’s 2022 data. 1 in 3 megachurch leaders facing moral failures, per a 2021 Leadership Network. 2022 Harvard Business Review study found companies with ethical leaders attract top talent at 10 times faster. Boosts productivity by 34%: The Center for Creative Leadership (2023). Improves operational efficiency by 40%: 2021 Deloitte; Enhances work quality by 45%: Journal of Business Ethics (2020). Slashes turnover by 70%: Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report. Delivers up to 5x higher returns on assets: A 2019 Ethisphere study.