Above Reproach: Where Gospel-Shaped Leadership Begins
"If anyone is above reproach..."
—Titus 1:6
As we continue our journey through the book of Titus, we now arrive at Paul’s well-known list of qualifications for elders—those entrusted to lead and shepherd the early Christian communities. This is the first post in a new series where we’ll take a closer look at each trait Paul lists, not just as a checklist for leaders, but as a vision for anyone seeking to live a life shaped by grace.
And the very first trait Paul mentions is this: “above reproach.”
It’s a powerful phrase—and a weighty one.
Paul isn’t describing someone who’s perfect, but someone whose life tells the truth about their faith. Someone whose character is consistent and credible. In other words, a life shaped not by image or title, but by transformation.
A Life Without Grounds for Accusation
The Greek word used here is ἀνέγκλητος (anenkletos). It means:
“Not open to blame or accusation”
“Free from valid charges”
“Beyond public reproach”
It paints the picture of someone whose life can’t easily be used as a weapon against them—or against the gospel they claim to represent.
This doesn’t mean they’ve never sinned. It means their life has become a consistent testimony of repentance, growth, and integrity. There’s no secret scandal waiting to be uncovered. Their life is not perfect, but it is transparent, accountable, and steadily becoming more like Christ.
Why This Still Matters
Titus had been tasked with establishing leadership in newly formed churches. These weren’t long-established communities with polished spiritual resumes. These were brand-new believers—people still learning what it meant to follow Christ in a culture that didn’t exactly encourage holiness.
Paul's instruction to find men who were “above reproach” wasn’t unrealistic—it was hopeful. It reflected a confidence in what the grace of God could produce in everyday people.
That same truth applies today. Whether in a church plant, a struggling parish, or a family trying to follow Jesus in a noisy world—the gospel still transforms character. And Paul’s instructions encourage us to look for the fruit of that transformation when identifying spiritual leaders.
Not Perfection—But Progress
Many people read the qualifications in Titus 1 as a disqualifying list. They think, “Well, that’s not me,” and walk away. But I think this list should be read more like a vision than a verdict.
Being above reproach means you’re a person who:
Faces their past instead of hiding it
Pursues growth instead of perfection
Invites accountability instead of avoiding it
Lives with such integrity that others find it hard to accuse you of hypocrisy
It’s not that you never fail. It’s that when you do, you own it. You repent. You change. And in doing so, you show others what it means to follow Jesus in real life.
A Word to the Wounded
If you’re like me, you know what it feels like to live with regret. Maybe you’ve had a season where your life could not be described as “above reproach.” I’ve been there. I’ve lived in that guilt.
But here’s the thing: the gospel is not just about forgiveness—it’s about transformation.
God doesn’t just erase sin—He rebuilds people.
The message to Titus is a message to us, too: God can still raise up leaders in broken places. He can still change hearts. He can still make people whole again.
So let’s begin here—as Paul does. With a vision for what God can do in a life surrendered to Him.
Reflection Questions:
What does “above reproach” look like in your daily life?
Are there areas where you feel the Spirit calling you to greater consistency or repentance?
Who in your life models this kind of leadership? What can you learn from them?
