THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTRY

[This part 4 of the Adam Well's series on the Ministry - ed]

The office of the ministry is not only a role of service, but also one of authority and leadership in the church. Those who reject or minimize the authority of the ministry reject the order that God has established in His church.

In the Old Testament, Korah and his companions challenged the authority of Moses over the congregation of Israel, arguing that since all Israel was holy, no one should be elevated above the others (Numbers 16:1-3). But God vindicated Moses' authority and dealt severely with the rebels, demonstrating His approval of Moses' leadership.

In the New Testament, Paul emphasized that a bishop must be one who rules his own house well, having his children in subjection with all gravity (I Timothy 3:4-5). This qualification implies that a minister must be able to exercise authority in a way that brings order and blessing. The work of a minister involves the use of considerable authority, as seen in Titus 2:15, where Paul commands Titus to speak and exhort with all authority, letting no man despise thee. A good minister is known by how well he rules the congregation (I Timothy 5:17; Romans 12:8).

The relationship of ministers to Christ also indicates their authority. Paul and other apostles often referred to themselves as ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador is a representative with delegated authority from his sending king. Similarly, Christ told His servants that He would give them authority over cities (Mark 13:34; Matthew 19:28). Who are these servants, if not those whom He has called to the ministry?

Elders are also referred to as overseers, which are supervisors in authority over others (I Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28). Peter commands the elders to whom he writes to feed the flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (I Peter 5:1-3). Here, Peter contrasts lording it over God's heritage with being an ensample to the flock. True ministry authority is not about dominating the saints, but about serving them through leadership and example. Nicolaitanism, or inordinate hierarchical authority, is a practice to be earnestly opposed (Revelation 2:6, 15).

The authority of elders even extended to financial matters. In Acts 4:34-35 and 5:1-11, we see that the apostles had authority over the distribution of goods in the early church. In Acts 11:27-30, the prophets came to Antioch and showed by the Spirit that a great famine would come, and the disciples determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Here, the elders of Antioch used their authority to respond to a spiritual leading about a future physical need.

In gray areas requiring judgment, the elder's faith should be followed (Hebrews 13:7). Certain offenses are left to the ruler's judgment, such as issues of attendance, modesty, and effeminacy. For example, if a controversy arises over the appropriate dress for worship services, the elder must use his wisdom and understanding of Scripture to provide guidance for the congregation. Similarly, if a question comes up about the frequency or length of services, the elder has the authority to make a determination based on what is best for the spiritual health and growth of the church.

In controversies, the priest's or judge's decision from the law was final (Deuteronomy 17:8-13). God knew controversies would come between law and commandment (II Chronicles 19:8-11). Therefore, He established officers in His church to make determinations based on His word. God's ministers should scripturally distinguish between holy and profane (Ezekiel 44:23-24). Note that each congregation needs only one elder to make a judgment. A plurality of elders leads to chaos!

Pastors are to be an example and pattern of good works (I Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; I Peter 5:3). There is no distinction between ruling and teaching elders: God's elders do both well. Elders that rule well and labor in the word are to be counted worthy of double honor (I Timothy 5:17). Obedience and submission are to be given to those who speak the word of God (Hebrews 13:7, 13). Some may argue that pastors are servants (II Corinthians 4:5), yet civil rulers are also "public servants." Though ministers may fail themselves sometimes, they are to be obeyed (Matthew 23:1-3).

Let us honor and respect the authority of the ministry, recognizing that those whom God has placed over us are His servants for our good. Let us pray for, support, and submit to our spiritual leaders, as they continue the work of Christ among us. For in honoring the ministry, we honor Christ Himself, who has given gifts to the church for its edification and maturity.