The Eldership and God's "Trustworthy Message"

Living on the island of Crete, Titus found himself in a challenging situation. The apostle Paul, his mentor, had asked him to appoint elders. Influenced by pagan thinking and behavior, Cretans had the reputation for being dishonest and immoral. The Christians, who had left that lifestyle, were vulnerable to such pervasive cultural pressures. They needed shepherds.
Paul specifically instructed Titus to choose men who held “. . . firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that [they] can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9).
That admonition remains relevant for the selection of elders at College Church of Christ and is crucial for leadership into the future. Our shepherds bear responsibility to confront those who attempt to pry loose their firm hold on the message that God breathed, Jesus lived, and the Spirit continues to encourage. Any distraction that loosens an elder’s grip on that message increases the risk that his fellow believers will let go of their own commitment.
Elders must speak the “trustworthy message” with clarity, reclaiming its language that has been hijacked by culture. They must remind the congregation that God is Sovereign. He is faithful to his promises, and he expects us to be faithful to him. Sin has consequences, and repentance precedes forgiveness. Grace is available to everyone who believes the “Good News” and is baptized. Anxiety is useless. Modesty is a virtue. Life is eternal, but destination is a choice. There are absolutes. Right is always right, and God’s Word is the final word.
Shepherds must convince us that this world is not our home. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and our allegiance is to that Kingdom regardless of the rise and fall of global governments. Even our money reminds us that “In God We Trust.”
Elders should set the course for the congregation, holding steady the rudder of the “trustworthy message” with both hands to ensure that we do not drift into the hazardous shoals of pride and self-sufficiency (Hebrews 2:1).
Shepherds must be wise as serpents and gentle as doves with vigilant eyes watching for wolves in sheep’s clothing. They must be discerning about what they teach for they will give account to God (James 3:1). Likewise, those of us who help choose elders must know and value the essential qualities that make them worthy of serving.
The responsibilities of a shepherd may seem daunting, but if a man “. . . sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task” (I Timothy 3:1).