Day 25: Doctrine Shapes Leadership

Scripture Reading:

“Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.” – Titus 1:9, LSB

Leadership in the church is not built on charisma, popularity, or organizational skills—it is built on doctrine. Paul told Titus that elders must hold firmly to the faithful Word. Leaders are called first and foremost to be men of truth, grounded in sound doctrine.

Doctrine equips leaders to feed the flock. Just as shepherds provide pasture for their sheep, pastors must provide nourishment through faithful teaching of Scripture. Without doctrine, the flock starves. Louis Berkhof reminds us, “The teaching of the Word is the primary task of the church and its leaders” (Systematic Theology, p. 573).

Doctrine also equips leaders to protect the flock. Paul says elders must be able to “reprove those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). False teaching threatens the church, and only leaders grounded in doctrine can stand against it. John Calvin wrote, “The pastor ought to have two voices, one for gathering the sheep and another for driving away wolves” (Commentary on Titus 1:9). Leaders must encourage with truth and rebuke with truth.

History confirms this. When leaders held fast to doctrine, the church stood firm. When leaders abandoned truth, the church declined. The health of the church is tied directly to the doctrinal faithfulness of its leaders.

R.C. Sproul observed, “The most important task of the church’s leadership is the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word of God” (Everyone’s a Theologian, p. 15). Leadership without doctrine may inspire for a season, but it cannot guard, guide, or grow the church. Leadership shaped by doctrine, however, brings strength, clarity, and faithfulness.

Beloved, leadership matters because truth matters. Pray for leaders to hold firmly to the faithful Word. Support them as they feed, protect, and guide the flock. Doctrine is not optional for leaders—it is essential.

Personal Reflection

1. Why does Paul say leaders must hold firmly to the faithful Word?

2. How does doctrine enable leaders both to exhort and to rebuke?

3. What dangers arise when church leadership is not grounded in truth?

4. How can you encourage and pray for your leaders to remain faithful to doctrine?