by Jim Gordon
Many people seem to look toward those who take authority in the Christian world. So often we look up to those who are in leadership positions. We put our faith and trust in the pastor of our local church, or the evangelist who comes and speaks during revival services.
We tend to think that those who are in authority and leadership positions are more knowledgeable about spiritual matters, and able to lead others to God better than the normal average christian.
The truth is we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we are all capable to be leaders in the sense we can encourage and help build up those with whom we have contact along the way. Each of us are kings and priests in God’s kingdom and no one is more important or on a higher plain than anyone else.
Christian leadership is no more than brothers and sisters in Christ who have lived and experienced more in spiritual matters lending a helping hand to those who are still maturing in their walk with God. There is no position of authority in this type of leadership. It is done out of love and compassion for one another and the desire to be used by God to encourage others in their walk with Him.
What I see so often in allowing people to take authority over one another is that it places an intermediary between God and man. Fortunately, not all people in leadership positions think this way and they are serving out of true love for God and for helping their fellow believer. Yet so often we hear of people in authority that demand our allegiance. They insist we listen to them and follow what they teach or else. This is a great misuse of authority in the christian world today.
I do not believe there are offices of authority and leadership in the sense we hear about it today. Those who have been given positions of leadership in the body of Christ are not in a higher standing than anyone else. They are to lead by example out of love for those who are still learning like everyone else. They are to be encouragers by example, helping build up their fellow believers into maturity.
Ephesians 4:11,12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.
The true meaning of leadership by God’s standards is servanthood. Thinking more of others than you do yourself. So often it seems like just the opposite with men and women thinking they are the ones with authority and knowledge.
Matthew 20:25,26 but Jesus called them to Himself and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
What I believe is the final authority among Christians is the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The bible can be used by the Spirit as a guide and help, but the bible is only a tool the Spirit uses. Apart from the Spirit there is no final authority in any person or book.
Although we can learn from the bible and we can learn from one another and their experiences, it is the Spirit of Jesus from within us who is the final authority and the head of the body known as the Church. The Church is not a building, not a denomination or an organization, it is each of us who are equally functioning and necessary parts of the body of Christ.
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This post is part of the June Synchroblog in which numerous bloggers around the world write about the same topic on the same day. Links to the other contributors are below. If you enjoyed this article, you will also enjoy reading what they have to say about the topic of Authority.
Authority for Believers – Soulcare Ministries
Who Gets To Say What Is Right Or Wrong? – What God May Really Be Like
A Surprising Source of Spiritual Authority – Glenn Hager
Is it the Bible or Jesus that is authoritative for Christians? ANSWER: Yes – Jeremy Myers
Surrendering Our Authority To Jesus – K. W. Lesley
Under Who’s Authority – Layman Seeker
authority? – Metler
The Age of the Spirit – Liz Dyer
I like this: an emphasis on servanthood, the authority of Christ, and equality of people. When we allow anyone or anything to usurp the role of Christ by our allegiance to it, trouble is soon to follow.
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So true. Thanks Glenn.
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Jim,
Thanks for drawing the very important distinction between leadership and authority! Leadership, under the influence of the Holy Spirit is necessary. Authority, as you pointed out, is self-aggrandizing and detrimental. Good stuff!
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Thanks Norm, yes, so true. Spirit led leadership (love and servanthood) is much different from human based authority. Thanks for the comment.
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Bingo. This is one of the main aspects of church in general and abusive churches specifically that I have to take issue with. So very many are seeking the honor of men, not of God. And so many hear the voice of their leaders, but not the voice of the Spirit of God. Rom. 8:14- “For those that are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” How many are honestly led by the Spirit, and not some man? “…it shall not be so among you.” Well, I’m afraid it is indeed just like this more often than not.
Mike Fehlauer said in his book Exposing Spiritual Abuse, “When we pursue the honor of men, we do so at the risk of our relationship with God.” I will never forget that. The instant I heard that quote (a friend read it to me), I knew that I knew that the abusive church I was in was so very wrong. In that moment the Light shined, and I began my journey out of darkness. That’s exactly what they were all doing. And the leadership absolutely demanded that they be addressed with titles and of course demanded submission to their authority. So of course the people who choose to stay are pursuing the honor of men- that’s how they want it, and that’s how it’s set up.
It’s idolatry and it stinks.I learned to hate titles real fast. And the whole traditional church setup absolutely begs for abuse. You see an abusive church for what it is, and it just opens your eyes to the potential to seek the honor of men in any traditional church.This whole issue rather pushes my buttons! Thank you for your post.
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Thank you for a very good comment. I think some churches are honestly doing what they feel is right out of love for God. Yet the entire system itself is not what God intended. Then there are those who just want the power and control over others. Glad you are away from the abusive church and into freedom from religion and its control.
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as someone has said… there is really only two positions: The position of Christ, and our position.
I am witness to the authority of Christ in the mouth of a man — reminiscent of how a child recalls or conveys the wishes or authority of their Dad.
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Thanks for your comment Marshall.
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