The character qualities Paul lists for church leaders in Titus 1:7-8 closely mirror the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. This isn’t coincidental – it reveals that effective spiritual leadership flows from the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, not human effort or natural ability. Leaders must be hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined not through willpower alone but through yielding to the Spirit’s sanctifying work.
This understanding should humble both leaders and congregations. Leaders can’t manufacture godly character through determination – they must depend on God’s grace and the Spirit’s power. Congregations shouldn’t expect leaders to be spiritual superheroes but rather fellow believers being transformed by the same Spirit who works in all believers.
Recognizing the Spirit’s role in developing leadership character should also encourage us in our own spiritual growth. The same Spirit who produces faithfulness in pastors desires to produce faithfulness in us. The same Spirit who develops self-control in elders wants to develop self-control in every believer.