First Things First

1. Where in our culture do we see people prioritizing effectiveness, skills, or results over character? Where are we most tempted to do this in our own lives and in our church?

2. While this passage focuses on elders/pastors, the mission of every member of our church is to lead people to love and live for Jesus. Who do you have the opportunity to lead or influence? What would it look like for you to be a godly leader?

3. Leaders are called to be above reproach, which doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean living with integrity through obedience and repentance. This should be a value in each of our lives. Where is God calling you into closer obedience? Is there an area of your life where you need to walk in repentance?

4. When you read the description of characteristics in verses 7-8, what stands out to you? Are any of these characteristics ones that we neglect in our current church culture?

5. Our leaders and our whole church must stay under the authority of the Word by holding onto sound doctrine and refuting false teaching. What are you doing to grow in your knowledge of the Word? What false teachings do you think present the most danger to the Church today (we will see more about the false teachings in Crete next week)?