Special Studies in Pastoral Ministry Lecture 7

AUTHORITY RULES — OR DOES IT?

Sometimes pastors become pastures. The sheep feed on them and trample them, but do not follow them — Mark Absher

Authority confusion is often the culprit behind issues between “leaders” and “followers”

“Office”

1 Timothy 3:1 NIV

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

1 Timothy 3:1 KJV 1900

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“Office” is a confusing term because it points to the church as an institution instead of an organism

“Office” is confusing because it seems to places elders in the position of having institutional authority — this runs contrary to the concepts of shepherd, mentor, equipper

From a biblical perspective, “bishop” (overseer, etc) is not an office…it is a function. A more accurate understanding might be to look at the word as a verb - if anyone desires to bishop

“Bishop” — what is it…really?

episkopos (episkopoi - pl): translated bishop, overseer, superintendent, guardian

These terms, to our way of understanding, project an aura of authority — even though their true meaning has a different connotation

A better way to understand the term would be as “guides,” “those who care for” the church — not those who rule over it

Guides --- Those who care for the Church

…the New Testament “marries” the word episkopos (bishop) to the word shepherd (poimeaiino), when referring to elders. The duties of the “overseer” are described in shepherding or pastoral terms.

The most a

ccurate way to understand spiritual leadership in the Bible is to understand them in relational terms

…let us scan…the beautiful, soul-nurturing, relationship-building functions God has in mind for spiritual leaders. Read them slowly, carefully, reflectively. Ponder their rich, deep beauty:

Keep Watch (guard), oversee, shepherd

Take care of God’s church

Direct affairs, preach, teach

Encourage, refute falsehood

Pray over and anoint the sick

Shepherd the flock, serve God’s flock, be examples to the flock

Prepare God’s people for works of service — Lynn Anderson

Shepherd the flock

Teach them, touch them, protect them, lead them

Teach the Word

Feed them, encourage them, refute false teachings

Guard the flock, Lead the flock, Care for the flock, Serve the flock, Be examples to the flock, Preach the Word, Pray for the flock, Anoint the sick and pray for them, direct the affairs of the flock, Take thought for the flock, Busy oneself with the flock, Lose sleep over the flock, equip the flock for ministry

What is missing from all of these descriptive terms? Authority/obedience

What is missing from all of these descriptive terms? Authority/obedience

So what is it then? Do Elders have no authority?

Our answer is “Yes and No. Definitely! — Anderson

they have no authority in the traditional ecclesiastical office-holder sense

Not a sheriff or warden, or principle or general

When someone has to point out their authority, they usually don’t have any real authority

They do have authority in the sense of moral suassion — the way a shepherd leads his sheep — they will follow his voice and no other

The people will follow the leader that follows Jesus

Shepherds and mentors build credibility by service, relationship-building,