A Biblical Case for Pastoral Authority Lately I have read articles that have been posted on the Internet

that claim that Pastoral Authority is not biblical. I would have to disagree with that concept wholeheartedly, not because Im a Deacon, but because I would be is disagreement with Scripture. Lets go ahead and take a look at what exactly Scripture has to say about this topic. Acts 20:28 says: 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Right here we see Paul charging the Elders of Ephesus that they are responsible for the welfare of the members of their congregation. By the authority of God through the power of the Holy Spirit Pastors are charged with the responsibility of spiritual welfare of their flock. We read in John 21:15-17: 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs. 16 He said to him a second time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Tend my sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? and he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, Follow me. We see in this passage where Christ is giving Peter the charge to care for and teach the early Christians. That charge applies today to our current Pastors. Our Pastors are charged with feeding their flocks, and they do this by preaching the Gospel, making visits, and also protecting unity within the congregation. If there is any subversion or disunity, the Pastor has the authority to address such issues and lovingly solve those issues and, if necessary, use church discipline. We see in Titus 1:7 7 For an overseer, as Gods steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, The Pastor is Gods steward. This means that a Pastor is much more than just an officer of the church. They have a divine appointment from God to be the steward of

the church. This is another example that shows that God himself grants the Pastors authority. What more reason do we need to respect the authority of a Pastor? Now I understand that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and I dont have a problem with that at all. What I do take issue with is when the opinion of others has the ability to destroy the unity of a congregation, but worse yet, when those opinions go directly against what the Bible says. The Bible tells us that a Pastors authority is directly granted to him by God, we may not agree with the decisions that our Pastors make, but unless those decisions are directly against what scripture says, we as congregants do not have the right to challenge Pastoral authority. Now I know that this may be a touchy subject and I welcome any and all comments and questions that you may have. Feel free to comment below or send me an email to paul.smith7@me.com.