Church Authority

Ministerial authority outline.

What are the purposes and roles in church ministry?

Pastor, Elder and Bishop are synonymous and interchangeable. (Shepherd, Presbyter, Overseer)

Deacon is a more direct servant role. (Diakanos = Servant) Official church servants instead of volunteers. Possibly overlook the volunteers.

One office of multiple elders is the Biblical pattern of church leadership.

Church Authority Issues (Abuse) (Heavy Shepharding during 1970.)

Abused Scriptures Hebrews 13:17 1 Timothy 5:17–18. 1 Peter 5:5.

Examples: Thoughts, questions and doubts are forbidden or seen as defiance. Outside contact is limited. For the purpose of “spiritual grooming”. Might tell you who you can or can’t marry or what to do with money etc… Start telling you what you can and can’t do, even that shouldn’t listen to other pastors. Manipulation is the goal. This is NOT the obedience we are called to submit to.

Church Authority Limits

John 10:11 ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Matthew 20:20-28. Phil 2:3-4. 1 Peter 5:1-5.

Obey is “peitho”. Its means persuade. "to persuade, to win over," "to be persuaded, to listen to, to obey,". The "obedience" suggested is not by submission to authority, but resulting from persuasion. (Vines Greek Lexicon) (Strong) Hebrews 13:7.

This type of authority is delegated. Not implicit “absolute”. Rules can’t be “made up”. It’s God’s word that is the authority from them. It’s trust based on us hoping they’re in good conscious within the scriptures. (Hebrews 13:18.

We obey once we realize the message we receive, is in accordance with God. Not their own desires or rules.

Galatians 5:1 “For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” The religious leaders here tried to add to the word about laws.

Conclusions

Modern day churches tend to put too much emphasis on church titles and this almost instills a sense of implicit authority instead of Godly authority presented through their teachings.

(Opinion) Elders in church should come from various backgrounds to prevent any excess bias in one direction. Scripture must be balanced. (Biblical) Elders are meant to lead the congregation in a collective agreement. This prevents one person from having too much “say”.

Not all “Elders” are preachers (Head Pastor). But all Elders have the ability to teach(1 Timothy 3:1-7)

We honor Elders by acknowledging with hope, their good conscious to earnestly desire to equip the congregation based off their love of God, not any other means. They are not the ultimate authority and everything they say is to be tested against the scriptures at ALL times. And are entirely subject to being confronted, corrected or rebuked just like any member of the body of Christ(Within Biblical boundaries). As we all have our purpose. Collective Wisdom.

There are no titles in Christ except that of servant or slave. But there are many jobs and works to be done. None is more important than the others because all are the body of Christ. And all the same goal.

Closing Notes

Church leaders have a tough role. And they more than anyone, require reassurance and encouragement that they are impacting people. Far too often do people only ever put their problems on their church leaders without the realization that a leaders life is burdensome and much is required of them. If your pastor is doing a good job in your life, they’re worthy of your support and your complete trust. They’re still just people. Don’t idolize them, honor them.