Text: Titus 1:4-9

Three Pillars of Church Administration

Contained within our text are three key areas of God’s administration in the Church.  The Apostle Paul as a good administrator addressed these areas in his Epistle to Titus.  Paul writes:  “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that you should set in order the things that a lacking, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee⁵. . .Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.⁹”

Sound teaching (doctrine), qualified leadership (elders), and good order are the keys to successful ministry. Without these, any work will be in danger of failure.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

The Apostle Paul continues in his letter to Titus:

            “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).   “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing un-corruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned. . .” (Titus 2:7-8).

Paul wrote to Timothy:

            “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6).  (See 1 Timothy 1:3, 10; 4:13; 16; 5:17; 6:1, 3; II Timothy 3:10, 16; 4:2, 3).

In his letters to Timothy and Titus we see the importance Paul placed on sound doctrine, or teaching.  As an Apostle, Paul founded churches in many cities.  It was critical to his effective and long standing ministry that these works be established on sound teaching.  Paul continually warned against false teaching (see his letter to the Galatians).

Paul wrote to the church at Rome:  “Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).  On a more positive note Paul wrote, “But God be thanked that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17).

It is vital that our faith rest on the Scriptures and their correct interpretation given to us by the Holy Spirit.  Of the early church is it written: “And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). 

A fundamental part of our gatherings, in addition to prayer, singing, testimonies and sharing is the teaching of the word. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “How is it then brethren when you come together, everyone of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Be encouraged today.  Be joined to a fellowshp that follows the teachings of the Scriptures and let God order your life to His will and purpose.  We will be blessed in all we do, if we follow God's administration in our lives.