Clint A. Wilson

How Does Paul Equip This Young Leader For God's Service?

How Does Paul Equip This Young Leader for God's Service?

By Clint Wilson

Defining Set-Apart Ministry within the Bivocational Reality

August 25, 2015

Introduction

To explain the mentoring relationship between Paul and Titus, we must first establish what a mentor is. According to Merriam-Webster, “a mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.” (Merriam-Webster)

Paul states in Titus 1:4, "To Titus, my loyal child in the faith..." This suggests that Paul was more experienced than Titus in matters of faith. A good mentor must possess certain traits, such as the willingness to share knowledge, act as a positive role model, and provide guidance and constructive feedback. Similarly, a good protégé must be eager to learn, able to listen, take instruction, and apply their knowledge.

Paul’s Mentorship of Titus

Paul mentors Titus in church leadership by teaching him not only how to lead but also how to establish leadership within the church. Paul equips Titus for God’s service in several ways, particularly by outlining the qualifications for church leaders. This guidance addresses key questions such as: What is a leader? What qualifies someone to be a leader? These questions are answered in Paul’s letter to Titus.

According to an online commentary, "Some English Bibles translate the word ‘leader’ as ‘bishop.’ But the words ‘elder’ and ‘leader’ refer to the same job. Paul was referring to a leader in a local church. A manager is responsible for something that belongs to another person. God trusts leaders to do His work properly. All Christians belong to God’s family, so leaders care for God’s family. That is why leaders should be able to care for their own families first." (EasyEnglish Commentary)

Qualities of a Leader

The writers of the Holman Commentary summarize leadership skills succinctly: “Though Paul did not insist on perfection, he did require that the leader live above blame, or beyond accusation.” (Larson & Anders, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon) Church leadership is described as a position of trust given by God, requiring faithfulness in every aspect of life: “he must be blameless.”

Warnings Against False Teachers

In Titus 1:10-16, Paul warns Titus about false teachers, described as “mere talkers and deceivers.” (Larson & Anders, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon) Paul identifies these deceivers as “especially those from the circumcision group” and urges Titus to silence them, as their teachings were overthrowing households and motivated by dishonest gain.

Paul’s letters consistently warn against false teachers, often within church leadership. However, in his letter to Titus, Paul uses stronger language, calling them “rebellious people, mere talkers, and deceivers.”

Conclusion

Paul equips Titus for leadership by teaching him the essential qualities of a leader and warning him about the dangers of false teachers. By providing clear guidance on building the church, Paul ensures that Titus is fully prepared to lead the church in Crete.

Bibliography