Question: Should A Preacher Have Authority? C'mon Man

QUESTION RECEIVED:

How important the authority of the Pastor or Preacher that God

has given to them to lead the church?

Is there any consequences if we don't submit to their

leadership or authority?

MY ANSWER:

How important is the pastor/preacher?

I ask you how important is leadership?

I ask you how important is a president?

If God gave the pastor/preacher authority then authority is greatly important.

But, not so fast my friend.

Our leadership as Christians and the definition of what a great leader is should not to be viewed as leadership as the world says leadership and authority is.

Here is Jesus Christ speaking to the original church “leadership team”.

Matthew 20:25-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

“25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—“

At the Last Supper Jesus gave the Apostles a final group lesson in “Leadership Training”.

In John 13 It says Jesus  “4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

The Apostles would soon know after they saw our savior march to the cross, die on the cross, be buried and then resurrected as he triumphed over sin, death, hell and the grave.

Jesus Christ not only talked about servant-leadership, He modeled it.

John 10:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.

He was blameless as he was fully God and fully man.

He took on the sins of the world as the sacrifice to God.

The wrath of God intended for sinners poured on the Savior.

When the without sin Jesus died a criminal’s death on the cross He paid the price of sinners like us.

When sinners, like us, repent and believe, we receive pardon for all of our sins, peace with God, citizenship in Heaven.

Who would not want to follow leader who loves and leads like that?

Are there any consequences if we don't submit to the pastor/preacher’s leadership or authority?

Yes follow this man if he is a God called servant-leader.

Human leaders have flaws.

The key point you made is if they are God called.

Does the pastor/preacher love and lead in the Spirit of Christ?

If so follow his leadership as the under-sheperd as Christ is the Sheperd.

If you do not believe you should support a God called man then please leave the church now so you will not destroy the work of God.