Sunday I taught on Titus 1:5-9 on the qualifications of church leaders. I knew that “leadership” in general is a difficult topic in an environment where ‘independence’ is king. Not many of us like the idea of submission and obedience. We don’t like to turn over our rights to allow someone else to tell us what to do, or to give us direction without input. Ours is a very ‘democratic’ community where popular opinion and the voice of the people is what directs our way.

Clearly, nothing is wrong with democracy, or group-think, or team-work. But please don’t misunderstand God’s clear teaching on leadership. There’s leadership in the family, the government and yes, the church.

In preparation of leading our church through the study of Titus 1, I first of all looked at a few other scriptures to give us a sense of God’s standard of leadership for the church. Among the passages was Hebrews 13:7 and 17.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” And later in 17… “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Honestly, I rather thought this a hard teaching, due to the times we live in. But, I soon discovered that people are hungry for leadership. They’re hungry for direction. We all need encouragement on the things that are right, on things that God has already established and put into place. Things like leadership. Leadership in the home, at work, and yes, even within our church.

Leadership: it’s not really a hard thing. It’s the right thing. Leaders, go ahead and lead. No apologies, no hesitations. Step it up. People are counting on you.