Titus Series: Chapter 1: 1-9 - A Blueprint for a Healthy Church | Pastor Ray Burgos Jr.

The sermon centered on the theme of healthy leadership as outlined in Titus chapter 1, verses 1-9. Pastor Ray unpacks the apostle Paul’s letter to Titus, emphasizing the importance of godly character, identity, and responsibility in leadership, especially in challenging cultural contexts marked by deception and moral decay. Paul’s mission for Titus was to bring order to chaos by appointing elders with good character and to establish churches founded on truth and integrity. The sermon highlights that healthy leadership cannot exist without a healthy identity rooted in servanthood and humility, and it must flow from godly character rather than mere talent or position. The message also addresses the complexity of leadership roles, including the roles of women, and stresses the critical need for leaders to lead from a place of spiritual security rather than insecurity. Finally, the sermon calls for self-examination, vulnerability before God, and a commitment to empower others rather than seek personal acclaim, pointing ultimately to Jesus as the model of servant leadership.

 Highlights  

- The apostle Paul’s letter to Titus was written to address leadership in a morally and religiously confused environment in Crete.  

- Healthy leadership begins with a healthy identity as a servant of God, not with position or title.  

- Leaders must bring order to chaos, addressing disorder rather than ignoring it, just as God brought order in creation.  

- Godly character—not talent or gifting—is the foundation of effective and lasting leadership.  

- Leadership qualifications are based on faithfulness and integrity, not on gender; leadership is about character and calling, not chromosome.  

- Leaders must lead from spiritual security, not insecurity, to foster healthy communities.  

- The ultimate model of leadership is Jesus Christ, the servant-leader who empowered others and led with humility and sacrifice.

 Key Insights  

- Contextual Leadership Matters: Navigating Moral and Religious Chaos  

  Paul’s letter to Titus was written during a time when Crete was rife with moral decay, deception, and religious confusion. This historical and cultural context is crucial to understanding why Paul insists on leaders who are above reproach and who hold firmly to sound doctrine. Leaders today must similarly navigate complex cultural landscapes filled with competing worldviews and false teachings, requiring both courage and grace to bring clarity and truth.

- Leadership Identity Rooted in Servanthood  

  Paul’s self-identification as a "servant of God" sets the tone for leadership. True Christian leadership is not about titles, accolades, or personal ambition but about humble service to God and others. This servant identity guards leaders from pride and the temptation to seek validation from people, which often leads to unhealthy leadership dynamics. Leaders must embrace submission to God as the starting point for their calling.

- Character Over Competence: What Keeps Leaders Effective  

  While talent and gifting may open doors, they do not sustain leadership. Paul’s qualifications for elders focus overwhelmingly on character traits such as self-control, hospitality, uprightness, and discipline, with only one mention of the ability to teach. This teaches that leadership longevity and influence depend more on integrity and faithfulness than on technical skills or charisma.

- The Danger of Spiritual Insecurity in Leadership  

  Leading from insecurity leads to unhealthy leadership that breeds insecurity in others. Insecure leaders make decisions to enhance their image, seek validation, and protect their status rather than to build up the church body. This insecurity can fracture communities and hinder spiritual growth. Healthy leaders build from a secure identity in Christ, willing to empower others and celebrate their success.

- Order in Leadership Reflects God’s Creative Nature  

  The call for Titus to “put what remains into order” mirrors God’s work in creation, bringing light, structure, and life from chaos and darkness. This principle applies to leadership in any context—whether church, family, or workplace—and stresses that leaders who avoid addressing disorder contribute to further chaos and division. Effective leadership requires patience and perseverance to restore alignment and unity.

- Leadership is About Posture, Not Position  

  The sermon challenges the misconception that filling leadership positions equates to healthy leadership. Simply assigning titles to people without the requisite godly posture—attitudes, character, and faithfulness—can lead to dysfunction and discord. True leadership involves embodying Christlike humility, accountability, and a willingness to confront difficult issues openly and lovingly.

- Gender and Leadership: Calling and Character Over Chromosome  

  The message confronts controversial discussions about women in leadership, emphasizing that God’s criteria for leadership are character and calling, not gender. Biblical examples such as Deborah, Priscilla, and Phoebe demonstrate that women have held significant leadership roles in the early church. The focus should be on honoring God’s specific calling for each individual rather than rigid cultural or gender norms.

- Empowering Others is a Hallmark of Healthy Leadership  

  Healthy leadership is not about dominating ministry or seeking the spotlight but about empowering others to fulfill their God-given callings. Pastor Ray models this by acknowledging the team effort behind church ministry and the importance of enabling others to thrive. This mindset prevents leadership burnout and fosters a culture of mutual respect and growth.

- The Final Accountability is to God, Not to Titles or Recognition  

  Ultimately, leadership is a sacred assignment with an eternal perspective. Titles and accolades are temporary, but faithfulness to God’s call will be rewarded. Pastor Ray reminds the congregation that Jesus will commend leaders not for their status or degrees, but for their faithful service. This truth frees leaders from the pressure of human approval and encourages perseverance through seasons of difficulty.

- The Need for Self-Examination and Vulnerability Before God  

  The sermon encourages leaders and believers alike to practice regular self-examination, asking God to “search my heart.” This openness to conviction and correction maintains spiritual health and prevents hypocrisy. It also underscores the reality that leadership is a journey requiring continual growth, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

This message from Titus chapter 1 provides a rich and practical blueprint for healthy leadership grounded in biblical truth. It calls leaders to embrace their identity as servants, to courageously bring order to chaotic environments, and to cultivate godly character above all else. By doing so, leaders reflect Christ’s model of humble, sacrificial leadership and build communities rooted in truth, peace, and faithfulness. The call to empower others and lead from spiritual security challenges leaders to transcend personal ambition and focus on God’s eternal purposes. Ultimately, the sermon points to Jesus as the ultimate example and source of strength for all who lead in His name.