Church elders may need to fulfil many social and administrative functions, but first and foremost they must have a godly character and be 'people of the message' (1 Timothy 3:2).  That was Paul's clear instruction to Titus, as he set about his task of ordering the fast-growing church in Crete (Titus 1:5).  Firstly, they must believe the gospel personally, be known as people who base their own lives on the salvation of Jesus Christ, and be in submission to Him (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Church elders are not free to change the gospel message, even though parts of the gospel will be a personal challenge to every leader, and the people they teach.  The 'apostolic gospel' (the way to come to Christ and live in Him as taught by Paul and the other Apostles), was personally authorised by Jesus (Acts 2:42; Galatians 2:7).  It was not a 'primitive theology' from which more comfortable and culturally acceptable versions could be derived; which is why authentic church leadership is not easy as many people will want to go their own way (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

The elders' primary spiritual task is to build up the faith of their congregation by preaching, teaching and explaining God’s Word, encouraging the believers to obey (Titus 2:15).  If they cannot do that, they should not be appointed to the role.  Elders should expound the truth to those who were eager to learn, and also patiently explain the way of Christ to people who opposed the teaching: if they refused to listen, they should be rebuked.  That is what that the Lord Jesus intended when He first commissioned the Apostles to 'make disciples' (Matthew 28:19-20).

We need to hear this verse again today.  When people want the gospel to be diluted or changed to suit social preferences, the elders must be strongly courageous to proclaim the truth and strongly courageous to denounce error (2 Timothy 4:1-5).  It is not a popular or easy life!  When people wrongly think that the church is a community where they can exercise their egos and gather support for their opinions, the supremacy of Christ and His Word must be reasserted.  When the church is more concerned to please its members or appease external pressure than make disciples of Christ - the elders have failed in their duty.  The greatest danger to the church is weak leadership which fails to hold to the apostolic gospel: the greatest hope for the church is in the message faithfully taught by leaders who are committed to Christ.  So, pray for your leaders; and if you are one of them, make sure that your priority is to live and teach the same message that the Apostle Paul commanded Titus to teach.