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Succession Planning Traditions From Titus 1

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Succession Planning Traditions 1 Running Head: SUCCESSION PLANNING TRADITIONS Succession Planning Traditions from Titus 1-2:8 Melody Jill Avery Cazort Regent University
Succession Planning Traditions 2 Succession Planning Traditions from Titus 1-2:8 This article explores the ideology of leadership succession and development from the biblical book of Titus (New King James Version), as Paul instructs Titus concerning Cretes future church leaders and sets a model for twenty-first century succession management. Verses from first half of Titus teach how leader succession should progress, as it was for the Early Church. As Paul did, succession and its planning is a process that involves preparation, vision, protection, and involvement of all levels of management from the top-down. The scriptures involve diverse people of different ages and genders, how they play a part in the network of succession, and could even play an unforeseen leadership part, if necessary. Overview Some contemporary scholars debate whether Paul wrote the letter to Titus or if this book could be pieces of Pauls writings that were pieced together later (Faber, 2005). However, Radmacher, Allen, and House (1997) claimed that Paul is most likely the author. Pauls intentions in his letter were to help Titus organize Cretan churches and provide guidelines for leader successors. These succession leaders would include pastors, elders, bishops, and various other believers as well. Therefore, the leadership was less of a closed relationship, but more of an open system with many different people participating in some way. Paul initiated the book of Titus with an overall theme of good works (Radmacher, Allen, and House, 1997, p. 2065). The repetition of this term eight times in Titus stresses Gods priorities for these leaders in establishing the churches and leading them. Corresponding to this theme is documentation about the work as well as the practices of an elder. As the biblical books of Timothy and Peter portray, eldership is great work which is wanted, worthwhile, and honorable (Roberts and Olbricht, 1974, p. 54). Jesus has a reward plan for the elders who serve
Succession Planning Traditions 3 steadfast and true. Thus, elder leadership is ethical work, whether viewed from the first century writers or the audience readers of Titus in the present day. Faber (2005) also explained that a thesis of Pauls salutation to Titus is to promote familiarity with truth and godliness. A theme created later in the letter to Titus shows that this godliness is decent and right because it means that conduct, deeds, and actions derive from ones theological confidence. In other words, an individuals beliefs and values are the source of their actions. Ones behavior is a consequence of what they have learned from others, such as their doctrine. Therefore, the teachings are fundamental and crucial. In Titus 1-2:8 (NKJV), Paul prepares Titus as his future successor, planning for after Pauls departure. Paul teaches Titus how to develop church leaders for towns on the island of Crete. Titus additionally forecasts for immediate leader succession for himself too, as he cannot attend all of Cretes churches. Titus intends for these elders to lead their individual churches in Crete. Titus also addresses those who could serve as leaders unexpectedly such as older men and even those who may eventually promote into leadership later, the young men. Finally, Titus portrayed his personal example as a faithful servant for the diverse Christians to model in their leadership. The leadership placements, qualifications, and planning create a solid foundation for the early Cretan church organization. As readers of Titus today, modern succession planners can also use the applications from Titus for their organizations in the present day. As the next section presents these scriptures in detail, many ancient ways are reusable and applicable with people of the twenty-first century.
Succession Planning Traditions 4 The Ideological Synopsis of Titus 1-2:8 Titus 1:1-4 The Greeting and Background In this section, Paul first identifies his status, office, and the intended recipient of this letter, Titus (Biblegateway.com, 2009). Previously, Paul had entered Crete, an island in the Mediterranean located south of the Aegean Sea, as a prisoner. Pauls initial writing of Titus is compact; he quickly sets the tone and introduces the main theme of the letter. Referring to himself as a servant of God signifies Paul's selection for this service, as Christ had sent delegated authority to Paul. Pauls purpose in this writing is to assign the task of completing and organizing the unfinished establishment, suggesting a church, to Titus. Therefore, it seems that Paul is serious and concerned about Titus and the leaders left on the island to lead Christianity. It appears that a great deal of responsibility and the Christian religion will be greatly dependent on these leaders so Paul gets down to his business quickly. The future of Christianity in this location literally lies in these Christians hands. What these leaders do and how they act determines if Christianity grows or diminishes. Next, the hierarchy demonstrates how the church establishment must organize its people in order to grow. The bible portrays the churches hierarchy of power, starting with God and Jesus at the very top, a superiority level. Paul is on the next authoritative level with Titus below him. The elders, as the next section introduces, lie on the next rank as leaders of the Crete church followed by the elder women and the young men. Titus 1:4-16 Elder Requirements and Warnings These scriptures from Titus (NKJV) list requirements for elders and bishops to serve the churches. As the list introduces the task necessities, the insubordinate Cretans sharply contrast the high qualities of the elders. Faber (2005) explained the Cretans are opponents to Titus and
Succession Planning Traditions 5 that eligibility for eldership is evidenced by knowledge of the truth, while ineligibility is manifested by improper behavior (p. 143). The extreme concern for teaching in Titus is not only to adhere to the truth but also a warning to block deceitful instruction that could spoil the Christian religion. Hence, if a small bad seedling was allowed to live, the potential for its growth would be like weeds taking over a healthy garden of Christianity that would otherwise have flourished. To understand the concept of elder as the early first century people did, elders exercised power in tribes then and were influential in the local community, in the same way that parents practice authority in a family (Mappes, 1997). Elder leadership linked with the early social system and based upon tribes and patriarchal ways. Thus, society highly valued this power and honored the elders as leaders. However, elders had to be accountable for their actions with this honor, as the next paragraph explains. As the author, Paul used a literary device in verse 5 as he assigned the responsibility of appointing elders to Titus (Buttrick, Bowie, Scherer, Know, Terrien, & Harmon, Gealy, & Noyes, Eds., 1955). The churches were unorganized and ill prepared to resist a severe defect. Crete had a serious flaw; nonconformist teachers distressed entire families, as verse 11 explained. Titus assignment was to repair this defect by setting up the elders in a church in every town. Paul tells Titus to fill the wants and place order in the churches needs. Just as Paul appointed Titus, Titus was supposed to appoint elders. In the interim, Paul warns Titus to censure falsehood and harshly refuse liars. It seems that this reproach was likely to nip any false doctrine in the bud, to be sure that it did not have a root to grow and overcome the Christian faith.
Succession Planning Traditions 6 Titus 2:1-8 Qualities: Goals for the Church Association High qualities and positive characteristics were required to serve as an elder. Their behavior had to include love, patience, and reverence, as well as behaving sensibly and steadfast with practices of sound faith. The same positive conduct applied to the older women as they taught and led their own families, and were supposed to lead and serve as examples for the younger women. These basic responsibilities of successors and others could become applicable someday as they could become successors. If dire needs arose, they were qualified. These verses additionally mirror the successful leadership model practiced in founding churches in Thessalonica. The Thessalonian books tell how their churches were mostly Gentile but these people had transformed from idolatry to serve the living God (Buttrick, et al. 1955). After leaving Philippi, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy founded the church in Thessalonica. They spent time there building a reputation of good qualities and characteristics such as work ethic, to develop mutual affection and loyalty with the Thessalonians. This demonstrates a strategy that Paul practiced in going into different areas and setting up in central places. His policy was to establish himself in leading sites of a region, working out from those points, and evangelizing with the use of his helpers in surrounding areas. This succession model of setting up and stationing leaders to succeed after Pauls departure was workable. The church institution was possible with leaders who had earned a good reputation, were trustworthy, and followed Pauls instruction. Similar to todays organizations, the church institution had opposition and strong competition, which could harm it. Pauls concern about this showed through in his writings. Buttrick, et al. (1955) explained that Pauls worry for the succeeding elders and their characteristics demonstrated. Christianity fought for its
Succession Planning Traditions 7 survival over Gnostic heresy and had to prove its power in order to present men and women of better quality than other beliefs. Ignoring these competitors of other belief systems was dangerous in the era of Titus (Buttrick, et al., 1955). Competitors had the ability to hinder many centuries of work for the Christian churches, which would result in millions never hearing Gods Word. If this Early Church failed to meet these challenges, it would surely be set behind other religions. Much of this is still true today. The Christian church opposes some strong, persuasive competition (Buttrick, et al., 1955). Communism, materialism, cults, and many other beliefs compete and challenge for humanitys allegiance. Christian churches must think, serve others, and evangelize over the competition. The only way to do this is to have helpers who love more than rival religious adherents do. Thus, the leaders outstanding Christian qualities are essential and vital for Christianitys survival. Here is the need again for elders with high standards. Verse 5 specifically adds Christianity practices to the womens duties, requesting to avoid discrediting Gods word in the home (Buttrick, et al. 1955). Buttrick said Christian womens actions were significant as society noticed. To upset the order of the family would be to precipitate social revolution and bring ruin on the church. (p. 535). Roberts and Olbricht (1974) also present women in a higher status than elder. Referring to I Timothy 5:14, women are masters of their home and an authoritarian. Alternatively, elder is a word concerning submitting, with eldership acting within reason and deference to the church, which in turn accepts the elders appointment (Roberts & Olbricht, 1974). Instead of the elder acting as an authoritarian figure over a congregation, the church approves of the elder.
Succession Planning Traditions 8 Thus, study about women in the church presents the possibility of a new underlying leader, the women of their home and family orderliness. Paul could have been showing this as the root, the source, of positive leadership for the church and from where it derives. After all, where did the elders start learning and observing Christian characteristics to meet their elder requirements? This also parallels and supports Pauls earlier order to rebuke false teachers sharply, thus not allowing that negativity into the familys home. Wrong doctrine could take root and eventually poison the family, the home, and eventually the church organization. As in the first century, paganism and bad instructions surround contemporary Christian homes. The counsel in these verses from Titus is applicable to the family unit; creating a family tradition of how these diverse members of a family circle should behave can only help support the family (Buttrick, et al. 1955). From the qualities of the groups of people who make up the family, principles emerge that were critical in Titus day are just as significant in every age of man. Thus, roots of Christian leadership could be the home and family, because the home is where children first learn and see examples of how a leader operates. Therefore, in their own way, women serve right there in their home as the first leaders. This leadership is timeless. Factors to Understand the Titus Scriptures Better Ideological studies of the bible concern people, their relationships, culture, society, and bias, opinions, and preferences (Robbins, 1996). The authors intentions of the books of the bible, how the people of that time lived, and the reader audience helps in understanding this ideology and thus, the true meaning of bible text. The next section aids in these perceptions, looking at others points of view, the groups that they had, and their individual beliefs.
Succession Planning Traditions 9 Cultural and Social Setting Leaders were essential for the early church on Crete, a Greek island (Radmacher, Allen, & House, 1997). Mediterranean people recognized Cretan societies for their wickedness, laziness, lying, or otherwise sinful ways. The Cretan lifestyle enjoyed surpluses and had plenty from thriving agricultural trade. This excess contributed to the Cretan indulgence and they earned a reputation of being lazy. As a result, they brought about grief from their sinful ways. Because of these facts, the Cretan culture lacked ethics and morality. False teachers contributed to these surroundings. Thus, these churches desperately needed leadership that directed opposite from these evil ways. The next paragraph looks at the people of that time and place, using more ideology to understand the situations better. Therefore, groups with different beliefs emerged from Titus. The Christians, who are entering Crete and trying to win over people and the people who are in opposition. As a people, the Christians had to unite, as diverse as the genders and ages were, to convince other communities to become Christian. These Christians had to be unique from other religions and practice what they preached as a group, showing their values in their lives, in order to convince the Cretan society that Christianity was not merely good words but a practice of good works. Conclusion Modern leader succession planning guidance derived from Titus. We should ask ourselves how we could apply these applications for today. In deep consideration of this scripture from Titus, I see many things we can learn and apply now. The leader succession from Paul to Titus provided: A good example of how the process should be.
Succession Planning Traditions 10 The church with higher principles very diverse from those who are not Christian, a separate people practicing and living according to their doctrine. Leadership requirements including ethics, values, and high quality in their lives. Requirements that demonstrate the pretense of these principles; they are the root or source of a leaders behavior and actions. Standards are as a good predictor of how a leader will likely conduct himself and react in future situations. A framework and network of love, responsibility, and trust among everyone. A foundation that is often overlooked but still timeless, leaders of the home that set the solid foundation of sound doctrine and protect it, rebuking those who would allow untruth to tarnish it. A hierarchy of leadership, as in the churches hierarchy of power. The succession levels show the next leader in line for emergency situations. For example, if some men had to leave for war, the older women or young men would bear the main responsibilities for the rest of the people. If necessary, these diverse groups could unexpectedly play a leadership part. Consistent training and preparation for the next generation and their future. As the church men taught and modeled for the young men, so did the older women set examples for the younger women. Successor leadership can be a defining moment for an organization, replacing the old with the new. An organization may be at a crossroads and the new leadership may be an influential part for transformation, as it was for Crete with the Early Church. In conclusion, as ideology is about people and relationships among them, these verses from Titus concern connections from leader to leader. These scriptures provide a prime model of
Succession Planning Traditions 11 leadership succession, demonstrating how leaders are successors from one generation to another. Leaders pass on the guidelines and qualifications that channel an individual through succession as a good leader, qualifying the next prospective group of leaders and preparing them to lead more followers. It is an example of how humankind, in leadership, can teach one another how to fish for Christian growth and leaders for a lifetime. Leaders should use this same model today for successful leadership succession.
Succession Planning Traditions 12 References BibleGateway.com. (2009). Commentary. Retrieved January 18, 2009 from http://www.biblegateway.com/ resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentary Text&cid=11&source=2&seq=i.63.1. Buttrick, G. A., Bowie, W. R., Scherer, P., Know, J., Terrien, S., Harmon, N. B., Gealy, F. D., & Noyes, M. P. (Eds.) (1955). The Interpreter's Bible, vol. 11. New York, Nashville: Abingdon Press. Faber, R. A. (2005, Spring). "Evil beasts, lazy gluttons": A neglected theme in the epistle to Titus. Westminster Theological Journal. 67(1), 135-145. Glasscock, E. (1987, January-March). The biblical concept of elder. Bibliotheca Sacra. 144(573), 66-78. Mappes, D. A. (1997, January-March). Studies on the role of the New Testament elder. Bibliotheca Sacra. 154(613), 80-92. Mitchell, M. M. (1992, Winter). New Testament envoys in the context of Greco-Roman diplomatic and epistolary conventions: the example of Timothy and Titus. Journal of Biblical Literature. 111(4), 641-662. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (Eds.). (1997). Nelson's NKJV Study Bible. Commentary. United States of America: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Robbins, V. K. (1996). Exploring the texture of texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity. Roberts, J. W., & Olbricht, T. H. (1974). Eldership. Restoration Quarterly. 17(1), 54-60.

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Succession Planning Traditions From Titus 1

  • 1. Succession Planning Traditions 1 Running Head: SUCCESSION PLANNING TRADITIONS Succession Planning Traditions from Titus 1-2:8 Melody Jill Avery Cazort Regent University
  • 2. Succession Planning Traditions 2 Succession Planning Traditions from Titus 1-2:8 This article explores the ideology of leadership succession and development from the biblical book of Titus (New King James Version), as Paul instructs Titus concerning Cretes future church leaders and sets a model for twenty-first century succession management. Verses from first half of Titus teach how leader succession should progress, as it was for the Early Church. As Paul did, succession and its planning is a process that involves preparation, vision, protection, and involvement of all levels of management from the top-down. The scriptures involve diverse people of different ages and genders, how they play a part in the network of succession, and could even play an unforeseen leadership part, if necessary. Overview Some contemporary scholars debate whether Paul wrote the letter to Titus or if this book could be pieces of Pauls writings that were pieced together later (Faber, 2005). However, Radmacher, Allen, and House (1997) claimed that Paul is most likely the author. Pauls intentions in his letter were to help Titus organize Cretan churches and provide guidelines for leader successors. These succession leaders would include pastors, elders, bishops, and various other believers as well. Therefore, the leadership was less of a closed relationship, but more of an open system with many different people participating in some way. Paul initiated the book of Titus with an overall theme of good works (Radmacher, Allen, and House, 1997, p. 2065). The repetition of this term eight times in Titus stresses Gods priorities for these leaders in establishing the churches and leading them. Corresponding to this theme is documentation about the work as well as the practices of an elder. As the biblical books of Timothy and Peter portray, eldership is great work which is wanted, worthwhile, and honorable (Roberts and Olbricht, 1974, p. 54). Jesus has a reward plan for the elders who serve
  • 3. Succession Planning Traditions 3 steadfast and true. Thus, elder leadership is ethical work, whether viewed from the first century writers or the audience readers of Titus in the present day. Faber (2005) also explained that a thesis of Pauls salutation to Titus is to promote familiarity with truth and godliness. A theme created later in the letter to Titus shows that this godliness is decent and right because it means that conduct, deeds, and actions derive from ones theological confidence. In other words, an individuals beliefs and values are the source of their actions. Ones behavior is a consequence of what they have learned from others, such as their doctrine. Therefore, the teachings are fundamental and crucial. In Titus 1-2:8 (NKJV), Paul prepares Titus as his future successor, planning for after Pauls departure. Paul teaches Titus how to develop church leaders for towns on the island of Crete. Titus additionally forecasts for immediate leader succession for himself too, as he cannot attend all of Cretes churches. Titus intends for these elders to lead their individual churches in Crete. Titus also addresses those who could serve as leaders unexpectedly such as older men and even those who may eventually promote into leadership later, the young men. Finally, Titus portrayed his personal example as a faithful servant for the diverse Christians to model in their leadership. The leadership placements, qualifications, and planning create a solid foundation for the early Cretan church organization. As readers of Titus today, modern succession planners can also use the applications from Titus for their organizations in the present day. As the next section presents these scriptures in detail, many ancient ways are reusable and applicable with people of the twenty-first century.
  • 4. Succession Planning Traditions 4 The Ideological Synopsis of Titus 1-2:8 Titus 1:1-4 The Greeting and Background In this section, Paul first identifies his status, office, and the intended recipient of this letter, Titus (Biblegateway.com, 2009). Previously, Paul had entered Crete, an island in the Mediterranean located south of the Aegean Sea, as a prisoner. Pauls initial writing of Titus is compact; he quickly sets the tone and introduces the main theme of the letter. Referring to himself as a servant of God signifies Paul's selection for this service, as Christ had sent delegated authority to Paul. Pauls purpose in this writing is to assign the task of completing and organizing the unfinished establishment, suggesting a church, to Titus. Therefore, it seems that Paul is serious and concerned about Titus and the leaders left on the island to lead Christianity. It appears that a great deal of responsibility and the Christian religion will be greatly dependent on these leaders so Paul gets down to his business quickly. The future of Christianity in this location literally lies in these Christians hands. What these leaders do and how they act determines if Christianity grows or diminishes. Next, the hierarchy demonstrates how the church establishment must organize its people in order to grow. The bible portrays the churches hierarchy of power, starting with God and Jesus at the very top, a superiority level. Paul is on the next authoritative level with Titus below him. The elders, as the next section introduces, lie on the next rank as leaders of the Crete church followed by the elder women and the young men. Titus 1:4-16 Elder Requirements and Warnings These scriptures from Titus (NKJV) list requirements for elders and bishops to serve the churches. As the list introduces the task necessities, the insubordinate Cretans sharply contrast the high qualities of the elders. Faber (2005) explained the Cretans are opponents to Titus and
  • 5. Succession Planning Traditions 5 that eligibility for eldership is evidenced by knowledge of the truth, while ineligibility is manifested by improper behavior (p. 143). The extreme concern for teaching in Titus is not only to adhere to the truth but also a warning to block deceitful instruction that could spoil the Christian religion. Hence, if a small bad seedling was allowed to live, the potential for its growth would be like weeds taking over a healthy garden of Christianity that would otherwise have flourished. To understand the concept of elder as the early first century people did, elders exercised power in tribes then and were influential in the local community, in the same way that parents practice authority in a family (Mappes, 1997). Elder leadership linked with the early social system and based upon tribes and patriarchal ways. Thus, society highly valued this power and honored the elders as leaders. However, elders had to be accountable for their actions with this honor, as the next paragraph explains. As the author, Paul used a literary device in verse 5 as he assigned the responsibility of appointing elders to Titus (Buttrick, Bowie, Scherer, Know, Terrien, & Harmon, Gealy, & Noyes, Eds., 1955). The churches were unorganized and ill prepared to resist a severe defect. Crete had a serious flaw; nonconformist teachers distressed entire families, as verse 11 explained. Titus assignment was to repair this defect by setting up the elders in a church in every town. Paul tells Titus to fill the wants and place order in the churches needs. Just as Paul appointed Titus, Titus was supposed to appoint elders. In the interim, Paul warns Titus to censure falsehood and harshly refuse liars. It seems that this reproach was likely to nip any false doctrine in the bud, to be sure that it did not have a root to grow and overcome the Christian faith.
  • 6. Succession Planning Traditions 6 Titus 2:1-8 Qualities: Goals for the Church Association High qualities and positive characteristics were required to serve as an elder. Their behavior had to include love, patience, and reverence, as well as behaving sensibly and steadfast with practices of sound faith. The same positive conduct applied to the older women as they taught and led their own families, and were supposed to lead and serve as examples for the younger women. These basic responsibilities of successors and others could become applicable someday as they could become successors. If dire needs arose, they were qualified. These verses additionally mirror the successful leadership model practiced in founding churches in Thessalonica. The Thessalonian books tell how their churches were mostly Gentile but these people had transformed from idolatry to serve the living God (Buttrick, et al. 1955). After leaving Philippi, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy founded the church in Thessalonica. They spent time there building a reputation of good qualities and characteristics such as work ethic, to develop mutual affection and loyalty with the Thessalonians. This demonstrates a strategy that Paul practiced in going into different areas and setting up in central places. His policy was to establish himself in leading sites of a region, working out from those points, and evangelizing with the use of his helpers in surrounding areas. This succession model of setting up and stationing leaders to succeed after Pauls departure was workable. The church institution was possible with leaders who had earned a good reputation, were trustworthy, and followed Pauls instruction. Similar to todays organizations, the church institution had opposition and strong competition, which could harm it. Pauls concern about this showed through in his writings. Buttrick, et al. (1955) explained that Pauls worry for the succeeding elders and their characteristics demonstrated. Christianity fought for its
  • 7. Succession Planning Traditions 7 survival over Gnostic heresy and had to prove its power in order to present men and women of better quality than other beliefs. Ignoring these competitors of other belief systems was dangerous in the era of Titus (Buttrick, et al., 1955). Competitors had the ability to hinder many centuries of work for the Christian churches, which would result in millions never hearing Gods Word. If this Early Church failed to meet these challenges, it would surely be set behind other religions. Much of this is still true today. The Christian church opposes some strong, persuasive competition (Buttrick, et al., 1955). Communism, materialism, cults, and many other beliefs compete and challenge for humanitys allegiance. Christian churches must think, serve others, and evangelize over the competition. The only way to do this is to have helpers who love more than rival religious adherents do. Thus, the leaders outstanding Christian qualities are essential and vital for Christianitys survival. Here is the need again for elders with high standards. Verse 5 specifically adds Christianity practices to the womens duties, requesting to avoid discrediting Gods word in the home (Buttrick, et al. 1955). Buttrick said Christian womens actions were significant as society noticed. To upset the order of the family would be to precipitate social revolution and bring ruin on the church. (p. 535). Roberts and Olbricht (1974) also present women in a higher status than elder. Referring to I Timothy 5:14, women are masters of their home and an authoritarian. Alternatively, elder is a word concerning submitting, with eldership acting within reason and deference to the church, which in turn accepts the elders appointment (Roberts & Olbricht, 1974). Instead of the elder acting as an authoritarian figure over a congregation, the church approves of the elder.
  • 8. Succession Planning Traditions 8 Thus, study about women in the church presents the possibility of a new underlying leader, the women of their home and family orderliness. Paul could have been showing this as the root, the source, of positive leadership for the church and from where it derives. After all, where did the elders start learning and observing Christian characteristics to meet their elder requirements? This also parallels and supports Pauls earlier order to rebuke false teachers sharply, thus not allowing that negativity into the familys home. Wrong doctrine could take root and eventually poison the family, the home, and eventually the church organization. As in the first century, paganism and bad instructions surround contemporary Christian homes. The counsel in these verses from Titus is applicable to the family unit; creating a family tradition of how these diverse members of a family circle should behave can only help support the family (Buttrick, et al. 1955). From the qualities of the groups of people who make up the family, principles emerge that were critical in Titus day are just as significant in every age of man. Thus, roots of Christian leadership could be the home and family, because the home is where children first learn and see examples of how a leader operates. Therefore, in their own way, women serve right there in their home as the first leaders. This leadership is timeless. Factors to Understand the Titus Scriptures Better Ideological studies of the bible concern people, their relationships, culture, society, and bias, opinions, and preferences (Robbins, 1996). The authors intentions of the books of the bible, how the people of that time lived, and the reader audience helps in understanding this ideology and thus, the true meaning of bible text. The next section aids in these perceptions, looking at others points of view, the groups that they had, and their individual beliefs.
  • 9. Succession Planning Traditions 9 Cultural and Social Setting Leaders were essential for the early church on Crete, a Greek island (Radmacher, Allen, & House, 1997). Mediterranean people recognized Cretan societies for their wickedness, laziness, lying, or otherwise sinful ways. The Cretan lifestyle enjoyed surpluses and had plenty from thriving agricultural trade. This excess contributed to the Cretan indulgence and they earned a reputation of being lazy. As a result, they brought about grief from their sinful ways. Because of these facts, the Cretan culture lacked ethics and morality. False teachers contributed to these surroundings. Thus, these churches desperately needed leadership that directed opposite from these evil ways. The next paragraph looks at the people of that time and place, using more ideology to understand the situations better. Therefore, groups with different beliefs emerged from Titus. The Christians, who are entering Crete and trying to win over people and the people who are in opposition. As a people, the Christians had to unite, as diverse as the genders and ages were, to convince other communities to become Christian. These Christians had to be unique from other religions and practice what they preached as a group, showing their values in their lives, in order to convince the Cretan society that Christianity was not merely good words but a practice of good works. Conclusion Modern leader succession planning guidance derived from Titus. We should ask ourselves how we could apply these applications for today. In deep consideration of this scripture from Titus, I see many things we can learn and apply now. The leader succession from Paul to Titus provided: A good example of how the process should be.
  • 10. Succession Planning Traditions 10 The church with higher principles very diverse from those who are not Christian, a separate people practicing and living according to their doctrine. Leadership requirements including ethics, values, and high quality in their lives. Requirements that demonstrate the pretense of these principles; they are the root or source of a leaders behavior and actions. Standards are as a good predictor of how a leader will likely conduct himself and react in future situations. A framework and network of love, responsibility, and trust among everyone. A foundation that is often overlooked but still timeless, leaders of the home that set the solid foundation of sound doctrine and protect it, rebuking those who would allow untruth to tarnish it. A hierarchy of leadership, as in the churches hierarchy of power. The succession levels show the next leader in line for emergency situations. For example, if some men had to leave for war, the older women or young men would bear the main responsibilities for the rest of the people. If necessary, these diverse groups could unexpectedly play a leadership part. Consistent training and preparation for the next generation and their future. As the church men taught and modeled for the young men, so did the older women set examples for the younger women. Successor leadership can be a defining moment for an organization, replacing the old with the new. An organization may be at a crossroads and the new leadership may be an influential part for transformation, as it was for Crete with the Early Church. In conclusion, as ideology is about people and relationships among them, these verses from Titus concern connections from leader to leader. These scriptures provide a prime model of
  • 11. Succession Planning Traditions 11 leadership succession, demonstrating how leaders are successors from one generation to another. Leaders pass on the guidelines and qualifications that channel an individual through succession as a good leader, qualifying the next prospective group of leaders and preparing them to lead more followers. It is an example of how humankind, in leadership, can teach one another how to fish for Christian growth and leaders for a lifetime. Leaders should use this same model today for successful leadership succession.
  • 12. Succession Planning Traditions 12 References BibleGateway.com. (2009). Commentary. Retrieved January 18, 2009 from http://www.biblegateway.com/ resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentary Text&cid=11&source=2&seq=i.63.1. Buttrick, G. A., Bowie, W. R., Scherer, P., Know, J., Terrien, S., Harmon, N. B., Gealy, F. D., & Noyes, M. P. (Eds.) (1955). The Interpreter's Bible, vol. 11. New York, Nashville: Abingdon Press. Faber, R. A. (2005, Spring). "Evil beasts, lazy gluttons": A neglected theme in the epistle to Titus. Westminster Theological Journal. 67(1), 135-145. Glasscock, E. (1987, January-March). The biblical concept of elder. Bibliotheca Sacra. 144(573), 66-78. Mappes, D. A. (1997, January-March). Studies on the role of the New Testament elder. Bibliotheca Sacra. 154(613), 80-92. Mitchell, M. M. (1992, Winter). New Testament envoys in the context of Greco-Roman diplomatic and epistolary conventions: the example of Timothy and Titus. Journal of Biblical Literature. 111(4), 641-662. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (Eds.). (1997). Nelson's NKJV Study Bible. Commentary. United States of America: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Robbins, V. K. (1996). Exploring the texture of texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity. Roberts, J. W., & Olbricht, T. H. (1974). Eldership. Restoration Quarterly. 17(1), 54-60.