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.

Into the Hall of Shame?

 When it comes to red cards, serious vicious fouls, yellow cards, there is one football player who is the prime offender, certainly when it comes to La Liga and Champions League games.  He had been accused of employing the dark arts during tackles and physical contact on the pitch.  Dare we mention his name?  Some of his offences during games are legendary and offensive. He was a leader and won many battles, many trophies, and he was lucky, which is necessary in sport. But was he a good sport who played fair?

Public Protection is a huge concern

With violence on our streets in Middlesborough and callous criminal invaders, illegal immigrants and other dangerous dudes who should be incarcerated, the British public should be concerned about public protection. 

 The case of Ibrahim Albashir highlights the massive failures in allowing such an evil madman to commit crimes that should have never occured had the appropriate agencies been diligent, competent and careful in their duties. This dangerous individual violently and vilely carried out crimes that should have been prevented. 

 I hope that case conferences and rigorous enquiries find out exactly how these catastrophic chain of events, crime waves, in Middlesborough and in Leeds put people in danger. Lessons must be learned to avoid these dreadful incidents. Members of the British public have been badly let down.

My Word is My Bond, Dictum Meum Pactum

Dictum meum pactum is the motto of the LSE. No, not the London School of Economics but the London Stock Exchange. One stock broker, a leading partner is a firm trading on the LSE, promised his colleagues that their jobs would be safe after a takeover. Sadly he could not deliver this under the terms of the merger and management agreements. He felt that as he had broken his word, he could no longer live with himself, the shame, the ignomy of not holding to Dictum Meum Pactum. 

He took his revolver, a souvenir of WW2, and shot himself. He had helped a young office boy, who lost his father at the age of ten, who worked hard and showed great potential. When this young man was twenty one this senior partner paid for him to become a member of the London Stock Exchange, which was 1k sterling in 1961. The senior partner also mentored him as a dealer and was very generous when he got married later in the year. It was therefore a great shock when the young broker heard the news of the suicide, the death of a father figure, adviser, man of great integrity and honour. He wanted to repay, to give something back, to achieve, to do something for Bobby Shaw, of Kitchen, Baker and Shaw. 

 And he did by working hard, showing dedication, ambition and commitment above and beyond the average, the norm, the mediocrity and safety first mentality. He had a purpose. He became a highly successful stock broker. One could say it was one for the Gipper. He would keep his word, even if it cost him financially and a better deal could have been won. If he said it, then his word was enough, sure and certain. His word was his bond. This working practice, the high ethical standards, with the necessary talent and financial acumen won him valuable clients. Needless to say he became very successful, weathly and wise, trusted for his honesty, integrity and word of honour. When he died many attended his funeral. Some travelled great distances to pay their respects. He was remembered as a man of his word, who had been a success for Bobby Shaw.

Infantino, it’s time go.

Infantino has been weighed in the balances of public opinion, in the opinion of many footbal associations, leading players, football commentators, journalists, tv pundits and the Prime Minister, and found to be wanting. It was tome to go,months ago. His dismissal os long over due.

Infantino fights despite strong opposition

It is amazing how thick skinned and how relient Gianni Infantino has been in the face of strong criticism, growing opposition, discontent with his decisions and lack of confidence in his management. He is massively unpopular. Fifa would be a lot better without GI, who has brought the GI blues to Fifa, where money and profits rule and reign.

A question for Muslim and Islamic Scholars

It is claimed that Muhammad is the last and the greatest prophet, and the Quran is said by Muslims that it is the true inerrant word of God. My question is: why are so many Islamic countries, who live and have the benefits of Muhammad's teaching and the Quran, barbaric, backward in several aspects, brutal (particularly to women), badly bureaucratic (with so much corruption, economic mismanagement, nepotism, fraud) and bad governed. 

 So many Muslims seem to be proud of their religion but not proud of the way it is practised in Islamic states and majority Muslim lands. They are often eager to leave these lands for Western countries. One might argue it is mainly for economic reasons, but there are others because their own countries, under Islam, are a mess, mucked up. There is high unemployment and unstable working conditions (dreadful health and safety practices). Some would even admit the the criminal justice systems of Western civilization is far superior to what they have experienced in the Islamic world. Some are here as a result of Shia/Sunni tensions and troubles.

 Life is far preferable in England, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada because they have a much greater freedom from forms of persecution, and they can live a better life, a prosperous life, one with a much higher standard of living. The treatment of women is some Islamic countries is beyond the comprehension of Western women. FGM, oppressive dress codes, restrictions in movement and travel, driving and employment, status (being taught that women are inferior and of less value than men) and a whole host of difficulties results in women coming to the West and not wanting to return home to a miserable Islamic way of life. Now I know that not all Muslims agree with the restrictions and these regimes, but the track record of violence, jihadism etc. should be addressed. No mainstream Islamic school of the religion has to my knowledge ever condemned jihad, though Muslims may have condemned certain acts of terrorism. But the prevalance of Islamic terrorism or terrorism in the name of Islam needs to be addressed.