In my early years of ministry working in church leadership and Christian higher education, I quickly learned Christian leadership is less about charisma and more about character, conviction and consistency.
As I transitioned into mid-level and now senior-level administration in a Christian context, Paul’s pastoral epistles, especially his letter to Titus, have become a compass for shaping gospel-centered, doctrinally sound and relationally faithful leadership.
Titus offers a timeless framework for forming leaders, building healthy communities and cultivating a culture of integrity in the face of cultural presence.
Introduction to Titus
The book of Titus is a short but potent letter written by the Apostle Paul to his trusted companion Titus, left in Crete to “set in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).
This pastoral epistle addresses the need for sound doctrine, godly leadership and gospel-shaped living in a culture known for corruption and immorality.
Paul emphasizes truth and godliness are inseparable. He urges believers to live in such a way that their actions “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (2:10). This is not about behavior modification, but about lives transformed by grace (2:11-14).
Paul also warns against false teachers who disrupt households and promote divisive teachings for personal gain.
Though brief—only three short chapters—Titus provides timeless guidance for church leaders and members alike. It highlights the importance of healthy doctrine, the training of new believers and the call to do good works as a natural response to the gospel.
Here are some key resources to equip your reading and study of Titus.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Print resources
New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Letter to Titus by Philip H. Towner
This standalone volume, distinct from Towner’s broader work on Paul’s pastoral epistles, is one of the most detailed exegetical treatments of Titus available.
Towner provides rigorous linguistic and historical analysis, theological reflection and application insights. His work balances academic depth with pastoral sensitivity, making it highly valuable for preachers, scholars and ministry leaders alike.
The Pauline Epistles: Collected Essays on Titus edited by George H. van Kooten and Joseph Verheyden
While part of the broader academic series Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium, this volume collects scholarly essays that isolate Titus as a case study in Pauline authorship, early Christian ethics and Greo-Roman cultural engagement.
The essays explore Titus’ literary structure, theological themes and missional purpose in depth, offering unique insights for researchers and advanced Bible students.
Other commentaries and books
Thomas Lea and Hayne Griffin’s 1, 2 Timothy, Titus in the New American Commentary series is a well-balanced, evangelical commentary with accessible exposition and pastoral application.
R. Kent Hughes’ 1-2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit in the Preaching the Word series is a pastoral and devotional commentary filled with practical insight.
Andreas Köstenberger’s Entrusted with the Gospel is a valuable collection of essays exploring theology, ethics and church structure in Paul’s pastoral epistles.
George Knight III’s The Pastoral Epistles in the New International Greek Testament Commentary series is a scholarly and technical commentary offering deep exegetical insights, especially useful for pastors and seminary students.
Digital resources
The Bible Project’s “Titus” is a free, animated video overview of Titus, summarizing the structure and themes of the letter, emphasizing transformation through grace.
David Mathis’s sermon series on Titus is practical and explores the central message of grace-fueled godliness.
GotQuestions.org is a robust website answering many questions about the Bible and Christianity. The article “What is the Epistle to Titus?” is a concise, lay-friendly summary of Titus’ authorship, context and theological themes.
Why Titus matters
Titus is far more than a leadership manual for first-century elders. It is a gospel blueprint for building resilient Christian communities in any age. Whether in the local church, the Christian university, the mission field or the workplace, Titus shows us how to lead and live with integrity in the midst of cultural confusion.
In a world where moral compromise is normalized and trust often is subjective, Titus reminds us doctrine and character are inseparable. Right belief always should lead to right living.
Paul’s instruction that church leaders must be “blameless, faithful, self-controlled” (1:6-8) isn’t merely about qualifications. It’s a call to cultivate a culture where grace and truth work together to form credible witnesses to the gospel.
Titus equips the church to be a light in dark places, not by spectacle or slogan, but by soundness, service and Spirit-shaped lives—whether leading a classroom, congregation, boardroom or family.
Luis Juárez is a graduate of Baptist University of the Américas and Dallas Baptist University and is pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Criswell College. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.
CORRECTION: The Titus sermon series preacher was corrected to David Mathis.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.