Beyond Titles: What Makes an Elder?

In today’s world, titles and positions often take centre stage, but the Bible paints a very different picture of leadership. As the early church began to grow, the apostle Paul didn’t chase status—he appointed elders to ensure that the message of Christ would remain pure and be passed faithfully to future generations. This was God’s design for a healthy, multiplying church.

Yet over time, some churches have drifted from this foundational principle. That’s why Paul’s letter to Titus remains so relevant. Written as one of his Pastoral Epistles (along with 1 & 2 Timothy), this short but powerful book gives practical guidance on church leadership and sound doctrine. Titus, a Greek convert and one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers (Galatians 2:3), was left in Crete to organize the churches and appoint godly leaders (Titus 1:5). Known for his strong faith and steady leadership, he even helped resolve difficult issues in Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6–7).

In this, we’ll look at Paul’s instructions to Titus and discover what they reveal about the vital role of elders—and why returning to this biblical model is so important for the church today. For believers, it’s a call to examine whether the church we attend reflects these truths. For elders and pastors, it’s an invitation to step back and ensure leadership is aligned with God’s Word.

Who is an Elder?

In Bible, elders are also referred to as overseers and shepherds (pastors)—different titles highlighting different aspects of the same calling. Their responsibilities include:

• Teaching and guarding sound doctrine - [Titus 1:9 NIV] 9 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.

• Shepherding the flock - [1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV] 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

• Praying for and caring for the sick - [James 5:14 NIV] 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

An elder is not merely an administrator or a title holder. He is a servant-leader whose life displays Christlike character, whose family reflects his faith, and whose teaching protects the church.

Qualities of a Church Elder

Paul lists character-based requirements in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9: In this writing we focus on Titus writing to

[Titus 1:5NIV] 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Paul left Titus in City of Crete (located south of mainland Greece and west of Cyprus. It was part of the Roman Empire during the 1st century A.D)  “to put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (v.5). In this passage, Paul outlines both the character and the responsibilities required of an elder—spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and the ability to lead God’s people with wisdom.

1.        Basic Qualities for Recognizing an Elder

• Blameless – Living with integrity and a clear conscience before God and people. Not perfection, but a life free from obvious fault (Verse.6 a). [Titus 1:6 NIV] 6 An elder must be blameless

• Faithful in Marriage – Completely devoted to his wife, avoiding any form of sexual immorality (Verse.6 b). [Titus 1:6 NIV] .. faithful to his wife..

• Godly Children – His children should be believers who are not known for rebellion or wild behaviour (Verrse.6). [Titus 1:6 NIV] .. a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

2.        Core Character Traits

Because an elder is a steward of God’s household (Verse.7), his life should reflect God’s character:

• Blameless – Above reproach in all areas (Verse.7). [Titus 1:7 NIV] 7 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.

• ·       Hospitable – Welcoming and warm toward others (Verse.8a). [Titus 1:8 NIV] 8 Rather, he must be hospitable.

• Loving What Is Good – Drawn to what pleases God and rejecting evil (Verse.8b). [Titus 1:8 NIV] 8 .. one who loves what is good…

• Self-Controlled – Disciplined in emotions, habits, and decisions (Verse.8c). [Titus 1:8 NIV] 8, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined

• Upright – Fair and impartial, doing what is right in God’s eyes (Verse.8d). [Titus 1:8 NIV] 8, upright..

• Holy and Disciplined – Set apart for God, accepting His correction and living under His guidance (v.8). [Titus 1:8 NIV] 8 .. holy and disciplined

What an Elder Must Avoid

[Titus 1:7 NIV] 7 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.

Paul also lists attitudes and behaviours that disqualify a man from this role:

• Overbearing – Not arrogant, controlling, or domineering (v.7).

• Quick-Tempered – Not easily angered; patient and gentle (v.7).

• Given to Drunkenness – Not addicted to alcohol or reckless pleasures (v.7).

• Violent – Never abusive or aggressive (v.7).

• Pursuing Dishonest Gain – Not using leadership for personal profit (v.7).

3.        A Teacher and Defender of Truth

[Titus 1:9 NIV] 9 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.

Above all, an elder must be able to teach and guard sound doctrine:

This means confronting false teaching when necessary, even with strong rebuke (Titus 1:10–13), to keep the church pure and faithful to the gospel.

[Titus 1:10-13 NIV] 10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete's own prophets has said it: "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith

Paul’s analogy is to be gentle as Dove and be shrewd as snakes, the zeal for God should lead them to “Sharply rebuke “

What Should an Elder Teach? 

[Titus 2:1 NIV] 1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

• Paul instructs elders to teach according to sound doctrine—truth rooted in Christ

• Teachings to the brothers and sisters must be aligned with the Sound doctrine of Bible not based on what human mind thinks

• Sound doctrine is driven by Christ centred teachings. Nothing that’s outside Bible or Christ.

• Sound doctrine is not based on traditions

Teaching to Older Men (Titus 2:2)

[Titus 2:2 NIV] 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Elders should teach older men to:

• Be temperate – Maintain patience and self-control, avoiding impulsive or rushed actions.

• Be worthy of respect – Live honourably so others can respect their experience and leadership.

• Be self-controlled – This is a common advice he gives old man and young men, the self-controlled is regards to sexual addiction and their temperament to see young women and lust against, Job who was old prays a prayer like this, it applies to any man who are old and younger  [Job 31:1 NIV] 1 "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.

• Be sound in faith and love – Grow deeper in Christ and express love toward God and others.

• Endure trials – Persevere through challenges, developing character and hope (James 1:12; Romans 5:3–4).

  • [James 1:12 NIV] 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

  • [Romans 5:3-4 NIV] 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Teaching to Older Women (Titus 2:3)

[Titus 2:3 NIV] 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Teach older women to:

• Live reverently – Demonstrate a holy, God-centred life.

• Avoid slander – Refrain from gossip, false accusations, or speaking negatively.

• Avoid addiction – Not be given to excessive wine or indulgences.

• Teach what is good – Model Christlike behaviour and instruct others in godliness.

Teaching to Younger Women (Titus 2:4–5)

[Titus 2:4-5 NIV] 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Older women can urge younger women to:

• Love their husbands and children – Keep family at the centre of their lives.

• Be self-controlled and pure – Maintain sexual purity within marriage and moral integrity.

• Be diligent at home – Manage household responsibilities with care.

• Be kind – Reflect Christ’s love through kindness.

• Be submissive to their husbands – Live in a way that honours God and protects His Word from being maligned.

Teaching to Younger Men (Titus 2:6)

[Titus 2:6 NIV] 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Elders should encourage young men to:

• Be self-controlled – Cultivate discipline in all areas of life, including moral and spiritual conduct.

Summary

As we read this passage from Titus, we must be careful not to use it as a tool to judge the pastors, elders, or church leaders we serve alongside. Scripture warns us against judging others, because when we do, we step into sin ourselves.

• [Luke 6:37 NIV] 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

• [Romans 14:4 NIV] 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

In these end times, many false teachers distort God’s Word for personal gain. Paul’s teaching in Titus equips us to discern truth from deception, helping us follow leaders who are firmly rooted in Scripture and who guide us toward Christ.

The message of Titus 1–2 reminds us that church leadership is never about titles or control—it’s about character, conviction, and Christlike care. Elders are called to protect sound doctrine, live as godly examples, and teach truth that shapes every generation. Our role as believers is to pray for, support, and learn from such leaders, so that as they walk faithfully, the entire church is strengthened in faith, love, and endurance.