Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
- Titus 1:7-9
Leadership is one of the most critical aspects of any human organization, and even more so within the Church. In this passage, Paul expands on the qualities required for spiritual leaders that he started discussing in the previous couple of verses. He doesn't emphasize talent or vision first. Instead, he focuses on character and doctrinal soundness. Christian leadership is about stewardship and Christlikeness.
At the start of verse 7, Paul uses the word “overseer.” This word refers to someone who watches over and leads the local church. In the New Testament, “overseer” and “elder” are frequently used interchangeably. Paul is emphasizing the elder’s role as a steward, not a master. The church does not belong to him; it is God’s household. An overseer is someone who ensures that God’s family is fed spiritually, protected from danger, and led in holiness. This reminder sets the tone for the following list of qualifications. Because the overseer is entrusted with such a sacred charge, his character must reflect the gravity of the position.
Next, we see a list of traits that the church leader must not have. Each trait reflects a failure in self-control or relational grace and would undermine the elder’s ability to shepherd faithfully.
A leader who is overbearing exerts power in a harsh or controlling way. The Greek word here describes someone self-willed or arrogant, driven by ego rather than service. This trait is completely out of step with the nature of Christ, who led as a servant and humbled Himself. A godly overseer leads not by dominance but by love, humility, and example.
A quick temper is destructive in leadership. It reflects a lack of self-control and a reactive spirit rather than one governed by the Holy Spirit. The book of Proverbs warns repeatedly against associating with an angry man, such as Proverbs 22:24. A quick-tempered leader will provoke division, mistreat people, and fail to model the patience and gentleness required in difficult situations.
An elder must not be “given to much wine,” as some translations say. Paul is not mandating total abstinence, but he is warning against addiction, lack of self-control, or anything that dulls a leader’s judgment. In a culture where alcohol use was common and often led to disorderly behavior, this qualification reminds us that leaders must stay alert, clear-minded, and sober—not just literally but spiritually.
Violence can be physical, verbal, or emotional. A leader prone to aggression is a danger to the flock. Spiritual leadership requires gentleness, not force. A leader’s strength lies in his ability to speak truth in love and lead with calm authority.
An elder must not be motivated by money or use his position for financial advantage. Ministry is not a means to personal enrichment. The temptation to manipulate people or seek profit under the guise of ministry is real and dangerous. A church leader must model integrity in financial dealings, generosity, and contentment.
While a list of negatives is helpful, Paul then follows up with a list of positive traits of church leaders in verse 8. These qualities aren’t just personality traits; they’re marks of spiritual maturity and fruit of the Spirit.
Literally, the word for “hospitable” means “a lover of strangers.” Hospitality in the early church wasn’t about entertaining close friends. It meant opening one’s home to traveling missionaries, the poor, and even persecuted believers. Hospitality is a tangible expression of gospel love. A leader who is hospitable demonstrates generosity, accessibility, and compassion.
An elder must be someone who not only does good but delights in it. He loves righteousness, justice, mercy, and truth—not because it’s expected, but because his heart has been transformed. This quality ensures that a leader’s values align with God’s values. He doesn't tolerate evil or moral compromise but actively promotes what is good.
Self-control is the hallmark of Christian maturity. An elder must govern his emotions, desires, and impulses. This applies to how he speaks, spends, reacts, and even how he rests. Without self-control, other virtues fall apart.
The quality of being “upright” refers to fairness and justice in relationships. An upright leader is not partial, manipulative, or unjust. He deals honestly and equitably with others and maintains a clear conscience before God and man.
Holiness means being set apart for God. A holy leader reflects the character of God in thought, word, and deed. His life is marked by purity, reverence, and a deep awareness of God’s presence.
Discipline includes time management, consistency, and perseverance. A disciplined leader doesn’t coast on charisma but follows through, leads by example, and orders his life around God’s priorities.
The final qualification Paul mentions (verse 9) is not about character but about doctrine. A leader must know, love, and cling to the truth of God’s Word, even when it’s unpopular or under attack. Elders have a dual responsibility: to encourage by sound doctrine and to refute those who oppose it. Doctrine is not just academic teaching but rather the way we live out our Christian faith. Any major errors in doctrine must be confronted with both boldness and gentleness.
God cares deeply about the health of His church. When elders are chosen based on charisma, connections, or worldly standards, the church suffers. But when we honor God’s design for church leadership, the church is strengthened and Christ is glorified.
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