Summit Ridge Church

In Paul's letter to Titus, he gives instructions on how Christians are supposed to act. After detailing the marks and character of elders and then transitioning to older men, Paul spends time speaking about the conduct and character of women. In one of the more controversial parts of the New Testament in our current generation, we are confronted with the words that women are to be "wokers at home" and live in "submission to their husbands". Listen to Pastor John navigate this section of scripture and reveal that Paul's words are not only often misused and abused, but that their meaning is rooted in the glorification of God's word in the life of faithful women.

What does it look like to be a dignified man of God? What are the characteristics and responsibilities as men grow in Christ? Titus 2 shifts as Paul continues his letter to a young church planter and pastor. After addressing leadership concerns, Paul naturally moves to the next group of people in the church: Older Men. In this sermon, Pastor John explores what an older man in the church ought to be like - sober-minded, sensible and steadfast in the faith.

One of the problems Titus faced in establishing churches on the island of Crete was false teaching. Throughout the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns his readers of those who intend to pervert the gospel and add something to the message of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. In ancient Crete, this addition was the Jewish law. Listen to Pastor John discuss how the same thing continues in the Church today with such things as the prosperity gospel, pseudo-christian religions and moralism. Gospel purity has never been more important and Paul's letter to Titus reveals why.

Today we finish our sub-series within the book of Titus on the issue of Eldership. In prior weeks we have looked at what an Elder Isn't, what and Elder Is and now turn to what an Elder Does. Listen to Pastor John finish the discussion on biblical eldership and why it is so important to the church - Hint: It's all about Jesus!

What are the biblical qualifications for an elder? How does the Word of God describe the qualities that define a godly leader? Last week, Pastor John reflected on what an elder isn't, what he cannot be. This week, we hear about what an elder is. Is a pastor/elder one defined by his leadership skills, charisma, talents and ability to woo? Or does Scripture define this man differently? Listen to Pastor John preach on what a pastor/elder is.

Continuing our study through the book of Titus, we reflect on biblical eldership. Between Titus and Timothy, dubbed the "Pastoral Epistles", much is said about leadership and church polity. In Titus, eldership is a large concern in Titus' task of "setting things right" in Crete. Today, we stop on 1:7, considering not what an elder is or the traits that he must possess, but learning the traits of an anti-elder, what the elder cannot be. Paul describes the qualities in an individual which would effectively disqualify him from leadership in a church. Listen to Pastor John explain what an elder isn't.

The need for godly leaders in the church has perhaps never been more important. In a world and culture that honors gifting over godliness and skill over holiness, the apostle Paul reminds us of what is important when considering the qualifications of an elder. Listen to Pastor John continue our study in Titus as we consider godly leadership in light of parenting.

"God won't give us more than we can handle"… is that really true? The writer of 2 Corinthians certainly knew what it was like to feel crushed, burdened beyond his strength. Why does God let us feel overwhelmed? What comes out of us when we are crushed, and does the Bible have any help for us in our abundant afflictions?

"God won't give us more than we can handle"… is that really true? The writer of 2 Corinthians certainly knew what it was like to feel crushed, burdened beyond his strength. Why does God let us feel overwhelmed? What comes out of us when we are crushed, and does the Bible have any help for us in our abundant afflictions?

We live in a world where church leaders are over chosen for their giftedness while their character is ignored. Paul's letter to Titus is perfectly clear; the character and heart of those tasked with being elders/pastors is the most important qualification when considering their position. Because this area of ministry has been so fraught with scandal in the western church over the past decade, Pastor John has chosen to slow down and spend time in discussing what a godly elder is and what he is called to.