Authority in the church: where does it come from?

 I have often pondered the question of where does authority come from in the church?

It raises the old chestnuts about male authority, leadership, eldership, bishoprics, overseers, management, hierarchy etc.

Some would argue that the main issue is biblical authority. Others would put tradition as normative. Many would say that God is the ultimate authority and we should therefore find out what His will is on all matters of authority.

So we get into the issues of interpretation, understanding texts, established rules and regulations, what is considered best practice, historical precedence or tradition.

Now I would argue that authority comes with wisdom, knowledge and ability, especially when there is evident talent, gifts (spiritual, natural and acquired through skills). Some people have charisma, a self assurance and confidence in their ability that gives them authority. Strong personalities often gravitate into leadership positions, and the loudest voices of the determined wish to control and command. This becomes a problem when status, money and influence/connections influence the church agenda. I would argue that this is unhealthy because leadership in the church should be related to spirituality and a godly life.

In some churches the control and the agenda are managed by an elite, an oligarchy.  Sometimes a diaconate or eldership can be controlled by a small group of like minded people, usually dominated by men, who ensure that only those who agree with their views have any say or influence in the church. In some case this leadership could be mainly under the control of a few family members and relatives. 

In some non-conformist leadership teams the positions of authority are in practice only open to folk in certain professions and positions in the community.  The diaconate would be the preserve of the senior managers, the solicitors, professional middle classes and above, officer class and people who have high status or standing in the community. Some church livings were in the gift of the local or even far away lord and lady of the manor, the dean of a college, a guild or some generous benefactor, as I understand it.  Worldly, carnal considerations therefore contaminate the church leadership.  

I wish to argue for leadership in the church according to spirituality, lives without reproach, and with the talents, skills, abilities to move hearts and minds in and into the Kingdom of God.  Authority would come from those who possess, those who have been recognized by God's people , to have these gifts.  

Those who exercise spiritual gifts and graces have an authority from God, because their gifts and graces have the touch, power, authority and energy of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the counterfeit can occur, but the test of time and the fruits of ministry will show what is genuine, sincere, spiritual (the work of the Holy Spirit).  Jesus will be uplifted and glorified. The results may not be apparent in time but they will be revealed in eternity.  The questions is: does this ministry produce work, fruit of eternal quality?

If someone is gifted and highly talented in teaching the Word of God, with an established theological education, according to some traditions, that does not give them authority to preach or minister, especially if they are female.  I know of some churches where the men would walk out if a woman went into the pulpit. It is fine for her to give a testimony or share an experience of spiritual growth but under no circumstance should she preach or expound the Bible, even if she has written books and published papers of theological significance. So if a man as a preacher in the pulpit  read from this woman's work and passed it off as his sermon then that would be allowed, would it not?  Some would say this is unacceptable because it is in effect "sermon theft," something that CH Spurgeon was accused of when he used another man's sermon.  There have been many cases of preachers using, and abusing, the sermons of other preachers without acknowledging the fact.

So back to the questions of authority.  I contend strongly that authority in church leadership comes with spirituality, gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, manifested with wisdom, knowledge and evidence of divine blessing. Is there fruit, evidence of spirituality?

It often comes with respect and integrity.  Sometimes this takes years to acquire and develop. Authority is undermined if there is mendacity, dishonesty, greed, deviance and pride. Ministries have collapsed when certain evil deeds have come to light. The position that they once held dear has been removed and their authority with their established status is taken away. Certain high profile leaders in the USA have been exposed by investigative journalists and bloggers. The hypocrisy is sometimes incredible. Certainly amazing and troubling.

In some churches they are sacked and disgraced. In other churches they can be reassigned and hidden way in some low profile position, a college library or Craggy Island (Father Ted) type situation.  Cover ups can occur and damage limitation.  It may amaze God's people how far some organizations and church groups will go to preserve reputations and ministries in which a great deal of money, time and energy have been invested.

Does authority collapse or disappear when someone has committed a serious sin, such as adultery, fornication/lascivious sex, sexual deviance such as sex with minors,  rape, fraud, unprovoked physical violence, to name some of them? It seems that when reproach, reprobate behaviour and reprimands are forthcoming then there must be removal from ministry, often indefinitely with no chance of restitution to positions and places of access to the flock. Restitution is an important issue when there is repentance and true contrition.  Can the reproach and loss of respect and reputation be restored again?  Tough question and a soul searching exercise for the church.

John Bunyan is a great example of incarnated authority. He was not an educated man by colleges or academic intuitions, but wonderfully self educated and learned in the Word of God, in puritan theology.

He did not have a license to preach or to officiate in the established church. In fact, he fell foul of the ecclesiastical and secular authorities and was imprisoned for his non-conformity.  Religious leaders were instrumental in the crucifixion of Christ.  And religious leaders in the Anglican Church persecuted Bunyan. He suffered for his faith, his testimony to the truth of God's Word, in the face of religiosity. Yet he did not compromise and kowtow to those in authority. This authority was certainly not godly, gracious or good for our land.  

Bunyan was a Baptist preacher without formal theological training, yet he wrote magnificent literature, ministered to a small flock in the Bedford area and was recognized for his pastoral gifts, his ability to move hearts and minds.  When he preached folk were born again by the work of the Holy Spirit and brought closer to the Saviour. Bunyan advanced the Kingdom of God. He had true godly authority, an authority from God that is appreciated to this day.