Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (I Pet.5:2-3)

We are so disoriented when it comes to the question of authority in the life of the Church that it might be worth just unpacking some of the context in which it operates, and to see how Christ - in His wisdom - has set checks and balances in place throughout the life of a Church that help keep things healthy! The list isn’t exhaustive, but should get us started…

A pastor’s authority is derived from their faithfulness to Scripture, as the Word of God. As we were thinking in our service last Sunday it is actually Christ’s authority finding expression in the Church (and in that sense the pastor has no authority in themselves). This casts the nature of a pastor’s work in the light of servant leadership.

A pastor’s authority operates within very clearly defined limits. It is part of what the Spirit of Christ is doing to build up the body of Christ - corporately and individually. It doesn’t extend beyond this.

A pastor’s authority is tied to their being called by a congregation to that role. It is exercised by invitation, but is not easily dismissed because of that. It is associated with an office within the life of the Church, but is experienced in the context of fellowship and relationship.

A pastor’s authority is corroborated by their example in holiness and godliness. I have a vested interest in pointing out that we aren’t expecting perfection here! But there should be a clear direction of travel toward spiritual maturity. Of course, the balancing responsibility is for a congregation to follow that example, and to pray for and support a pastor in their holiness.

A pastor’s authority is derived, and is given for a specific purpose - and therefore they are answerable to Christ for how it is exercised. The pastor-teachers experience of judgement will be ‘more strict’ than for other Christians.

A pastor’s authority is exercised in plurality, not isolation. ‘Above’ a congregation there is an ‘institutional’ authority which the pastor is invested with (this is clearly patterned in the NT, but is often missed!). In the Church of England this is expressed by the Bishop giving a licence to minister and sharing with an incumbent ‘the cure of souls’. ‘Within’ a congregation a pastor functions as part of a wider leadership team. Again, in Church of England terms, this includes a wider ministry team, and the PCC, Standing Committee and Wardens.

A pastor’s authority does not put that pastor beyond challenge, reproach, rebuke or correction.

A pastor’s authority is shaped by their character before it is shaped by their gifting (or lack of it!). The greatest guard against the abuse of authority is Christlike-ness in the one(s) exercising that authority. If the pastor is humble, gracious, faithful, gentle, patient etc. a congregation will feel more confident in their exercise of authority, than if that pastor is proud, arrogant, overbearing, quick-tempered. If you wanted guidance on how to pray for your minister, here it is!!

A pastor’s authority is dependent on their own obedience to Scripture, especially to the teaching of Scripture on the exercise of the pastoral office.

like I said, not exhaustive, but enough to get us thinking!!