Five Questions Every Leader Should Ask Himself – Titus 1:1-4

A Godly Church that Glorifies God – Part 2

Series: A Godly Church that Glorifies God

5 Essential Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves

Have you ever felt lost in your leadership role, unsure if you’re on the right track? Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company, a small group at church, or simply guiding your family, these five questions from the book of Titus can help realign your focus and strengthen your leadership.

As I was preparing this sermon on Titus, I had lunch with someone who was struggling with their church relationship. They asked, “What is the church?” It’s a profound question, and it reminded me that we all need to periodically reassess our understanding of leadership, especially in a spiritual context.

Let’s dive into these five crucial questions that every leader should ask themselves:

1. Is God Central in My Life?

The very first verse of Titus begins with “Paul, a servant of God…” This immediately sets the tone for the entire letter. God is mentioned five times in just four verses! As leaders, we must ask ourselves: Is God truly at the center of everything we do?

I’m reminded of the story about the construction of St. Paul’s Cathedral. When asked what they were doing, one worker said, “I am arranging the lumber,” while another replied, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build St. Paul’s Cathedral.” The second worker had the bigger picture in mind. Similarly, we need to see our actions in light of God’s greater purpose.

2. Do I Have a Biblical View of Myself?

Paul describes himself as both “a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ” (Titus 1:1). This dual identity is crucial for Christian leaders. We must see ourselves as servants first, wholly submitted to God’s will. At the same time, we’re called to be “sent out” into the world, representing Christ wherever we go.

Remember, in the strictest sense, an apostle was someone who saw Jesus during His earthly ministry. But in a broader sense, we’re all called to be “sent out” with the gospel message. How do you view your role in God’s kingdom?

3. Am I Leading for God’s Glory?

Paul states that he does what he does “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness” (Titus 1:1). Our leadership should always point people towards God and His truth. Are your actions and decisions bringing glory to God or to yourself?

4. What Has God Called Me to Do?

This is a deeply personal question. Paul preached because God specifically called him, but your calling might be different. As Martin Luther said, “The menial housework of a manservant or a maid servant is often more acceptable to God than all the fasting and all the works of a monk or a priest because the monk or the priest lacks faith.”

Remember the story of Ina May Ogden? She wanted to serve God full-time but had to stay home to care for her ill father. Out of this experience, she wrote the hymn “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” Sometimes, our calling is right where we are, not where we wish we could be.

5. Am I Developing and Maintaining Relationships with Others?

Paul’s relationship with Titus spans decades, from the Jerusalem Council to ministry in Corinth and now in Crete. Leadership isn’t a solo act. Are you investing in others and allowing them to invest in you?

G. Campbell Morgan once said, “The key word [of the Bible] is relationships.” From Genesis to Revelation, it’s all about our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.

Putting It Into Practice

Set aside time this week to reflect on these five questions.
Identify one area where you can make God more central in your leadership.
Reach out to someone you can mentor or someone who can mentor you.
Write down what you believe God has called you to do in this season of life.
Look for opportunities to “brighten the corner where you are,” serving God faithfully right where He’s placed you.

Remember, as leaders, we’re not called to be lone rangers. We’re part of God’s grand plan, working alongside others to bring glory to His name. May these questions guide you to be the leader God has called you to be.