How do we know the Gospel is essential for church governance?

Paul emphasizes the centrality of the Gospel in establishing elders in the church, as seen in Titus 1:5 where he signifies that the qualifications and roles of elders are rooted in the teachings of Christ. The guidance that Paul gives to Titus is not merely administrative but is deeply theological, aiming to ensure that the purity of doctrine is preserved. Elders are to teach what they have been taught, focusing on the truth of the Gospel to prevent false teachings from leading the church astray. This underlines the necessity of ensuring that church governance is aligned with the core message of Christ, for it is through the Gospel that believers are transformed and united in faith.