LESSON 14
LEADERSHIP AND
AUTHORITY
We have already
noted on several occasions that leadership is not about control, power,
and ruling.
This lesson will discuss the relationship between leadership and
authority.
We begin by noting that leadership
does involve authority,
but the question is,
what kind of authority?
First, we note a
Comment by Dr. Howard Norton in an Editorial in The Christian Chronicle.
Norton correctly observes
that in the past we have too often been led more by an authoritarian
domineering or control mindset among elders.
We need to
change this mindset because it simply is not biblical and it simply will
not work today.
This thought prompts us to explore the subject of authority a little
deeper.
ONE KIND OF
AUTHORITY FOR GOD!
Absolute Authority!
ANOTHER KIND OF
AUTHORITY FOR ELDERS AND MINISTERS!
WE ARE REMINDED
THAT LEADERSHIP IS:
SOME CONCLUDING COMMENTS ON LEADERSHIP AUTHORITY
|
1. |
Only
the divine (God and Christ) have absolute (exousia)
authority. |
|
2. |
The Apostles
and scripture by implication have absolute authority. |
|
3. |
The
authority of elders and ministers is a different kind of
authority. |
|
4. |
Elders'
and ministers' authority is limited authority. |
|
5. |
Elders'
and 'ministers' authority is limited to their ministry or
function. |
|
6. |
The
biblical authority of elders and ministers is functional. |
|
7. |
The
authority of elders and ministers is functional and different
from that of God, Christ, and Scripture. |
|
