What Should a Pastor’s Authority Look Like?

An Example

The good news is the Bible has a number of texts on what a pastor’s authority should look like. Let me point to just one of them: 1 Peter 5, where Peter is instructing “the elders among you,” and he says, “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly.”So it’s not about what I’m getting out of this that can gratify and please my flesh, but I shepherd eagerly because I want to love these sheep in some form or fashion. And then listen to this: “Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you’ll receive the unfading crown of glory.”Move backward here for a second to verse four. There is an unfading crown. There’s something I’m going after, but it’s not something in the here and now that I’m going after. It’s an unfading crown of glory that I’m going after. I’m looking for payment later, whereas now I’m called to willingly, eagerly submit myself for these sheep’s good. I’m not domineering. Instead, I’m being an example.Let’s think about that phrase. What is the authority of a pastor? The authority of the pastor is to teach and give oversight to the flock by being an example to the flock. And what’s the submission that the congregation is called to?Well, thinking of Hebrews 13:7, the author of Hebrew says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”Being examples to the flock, in Peter’s words, “consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith.” So my authority as an elder is predicated on and depends upon my being an example of righteousness and love and holiness.Read More – Go to SourceJonathan Leeman is the author of Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing.Need a prayer? Prayer RequestsPlease subscribe to our main Ministries daily scripture study – Koa Sinag MinistriesHave a Testimony of how God has changed or intervened in your life? Tell us your story! Give God Praise!Need some inspiration? Check out others Testimonies!Have you checked out our online store? We have a tonne of fascinating and colourful PDF books, toys, kids’ apparel, and much more, including complimentary PDFs for home schoolers!

Jonathan Leeman (PhD, University of Wales) is the editorial director for 9Marks and cohost of the Pastors’ Talk podcast. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books and teaches at several seminaries. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, DC, and is an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. You can follow him on Twitter at @jonathanleeman.

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