Monday 10 November 2008

Background

Titus is one of three letters in the New Testament knowncollectively as the Pastoral Epistles. This is because they werewritten to pastors in the early Church and addressed issues whichwere pertinent to their pastoral ministry. (The other two PastoralEpistles are 1 and 2 Timothy.)

Paul described Titus as "my partner and co-worker" (2 Corinthians8:23). He was a Greek who travelled with Paul and Barnabas toJerusalem (Galatians2:1-3). Paul also gave Titus pastoral responsibilities inCorinth (2Corinthians 7-8) and later in Crete (Titus 1:5).According to early tradition, Titus became archbishop of Crete, anddied there when he was over 90.

As the early Church developed, there was a need to create aleadership structure and to appoint appropriate people to servewithin it. Paul used two different words - 'elders' and 'bishop'-to refer to the same ministry. These people were to have pastoraloversight of each local church.

Consideration was only to be given to candidates who coulddemonstrate moral integrity, a hospitable spirit and sounddoctrine.

Conformity was also an important factor. Even the children of theappointed elder were not to be "rebellious" and anyone whocontradicted the pastor's preaching and teaching was to berefuted.

The pastor's own family was to be the model on which the localChristian community was based. They were to reflect "the knowledgeof the truth that is in accordance with godliness" and witness tothe God "who never lies".

To Ponder

Which three qualities do you consider to be themost essential for pastoral ministry today?

If you were to write a pastoral letter to theclergy in your community, what issues would you ask them toaddress?

How should rebellion and contradictory opinionsbe handled in the Church, in society or in your family?