Take the case of Titus. A gentile (Greek) by birth, the apostle Paul led him to the faith. He became a key member of Paul’s mission team, ministering in Antioch, Corinth, Crete, and Dalmatia. He was apparently in Rome when Paul was imprisoned there.

Despite his obvious talents, Paul knew that Titus could go even further. Here is how Paul challenged him: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8).

First, Titus must be a “model of good works”. In other words, his life must be consistent with his teachings. In the leadership framework I am advocating, this is what “ethos” is all about. A leader must live his message. Numerous studies show that people follow what they see in the leader’s life, not what they hear from him/her. This principle is true in whatever setting we are called to lead-- in the church ministry, the office, and the family.

Second, Paul urged Titus to ensure that his teaching is done with “integrity, dignity, and sound speech”. In my leadership framework, a leader’s message is what I call his “logos”. For Christian ministry leaders, our message must be anchored on the Scriptures. Our perpetual challenge is to be as knowledgeable as possible on the teachings of the Bible. Early in my Christian life, I have embraced Reformed theology or the doctrines of grace, which has proven to be of immense value to my teaching ministry.

So yes, we cannot all be mega-leaders of churches or corporations. But we can all hone our skills to become better leaders wherever God placed us.

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