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.

Making a difference

i was deeply moved by Matthew Syed's artcle in his Sunday Times column. in talking about his sister Rebecca, MS writes: whose talents were given wings by a guy from our church called Derek, who could see she was struggling in a complacent system, and who came around to give her free private lessons. He then saw her nail her GCSEs, A-levels, gain a medical degree from Oxford doing research and clinical work. Wow Derek you made a difference.

It’s a grim life under the Taliban

Life is brutish, bleak and miserable in Afghanistan today, especially if you are a woman with the terrible Taliban calling the shots. Seeing on hidden movie cameras the conditions of women and girls trying to be educated secretly in this backward, repressive country is pathetic but even worse are the neo natal hospital care experiences and midwifery provision in Afghanistan. Employment prospects, particularly for females, must be among the worst in the world. This is a prison state. In fact many prisons have better regimes. The future looks grim for many. The present reality is horrendously grim.

Law enforcement has let us down

We see today that the police and the criminal justice system have failed to protect the public from lawless Levy, serial rapist and murderer. His victims are already serving a life sentence of pain and grief. Levy's criminal record, his crimes and rate of offending will go down in history as an enormous failure, which cost lives. There must be a thorough forensic inquiry.

Jason Arday is now on his way

 Jason Arday has resigned from his Cambridge University post. He is now regarded as a woke joke, a figure of ridicule and contempt. Some see this academic farce as a nail in the coffin for diversity, equity and inclusion culture that has plagued HR, recruitment services and education. 

In a sense Jason Arday was a professor for he professed to have qualifications and experience that were evidently false. What a pseudo intellectual!

Infantino following the ways of Blatter?

 Questions are now being asked about Infantino’s management of FIFA.  Is he feathering his own nest? Is he now following in the footsteps of Sepp Blatter? Is Infantino  a money mad Swiss businessman and bureaucrat, a merchant banker? 

Sepp Blatter was accused of corruption and squirrelling away fast funds, doing dodgy deals.

Now the crucial question being posed is whether or not the current FIFA proposals will harm football ? Will FIFA under Infantino cause scorn and contempt bringing the beautiful game into disrepute? 

The game will live on. Many hope it will be without Infantino.

Freddie Sayer RIP

 It was good to see so many people at the graveside and then inside the Hornchurch Methodist church where Freddie worshipped, preached and shared his Christian faith. The church was so full that there was an overflow area in the hall. 

Freddie was respected for his vision for the Hornchurch Passion Play, his work in constructing the cross for the performances on the green by the Queen's Theatre. 

I remember him driving the van down the alleyway at the back of his house, near where I once lived, working into his seventies having lost his pension as the result of someone's wicked act of fraud and greed.

I remember Freddie's sincere commitment to biblical truth and his firm faith which he shared so willingly and winsomely.

I remember his fascinating accounts of working as a welder, even for Stanley Kubrick filming Full Metal Jacket on location in docklands before the Banks and financial services moved in.

Freddie was a lovely man , who with Jenty, moved hearts and minds in Hornchurch. 

FIFA, finance is first aim

 FIFA reveals its ugly head again in serving mammon and putting finance before football.  There is a stench of corruption, something rotten in the state of play when FIFA have their way.  People smell more than a rat but an infestation of money making mania.  FIFA has been bad for football and many are saying that it is ruining the beautiful game on the world stage.  There needs to be a thorough forensic investigation into FIFA. 

Crying for Argentina

Many Argentinians were crying when they lost in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, USA.

Messi and his team were down and deeply disappointed.  They wanted to win a back to back trophy and make history.  They played with passion but sadly in a nasty, cynical, disgraceful and despicable way.  They fouled and spoiled their opponents open football. Spain were worthy winners. The Argentinian team showed how unsportsmanlike they were when Spain celebrated and received the winners' medals.  There were some clear and obvious examples of bad conduct, violent behaviour and vile manners. Shameful. 

The way the Argentine team failed to make shots on goal and had a win at all costs approach did not endear them to neutral nations.  Spain became the heros and the highly acclaimed team. Most nations were rooting for them and wanted another win, another star on the team shirt for Spain. 

Analyzing the game, it was clear that Argentina were very negative and committed some bad fouls, which are being used in evidence against their bad plays, nasty ways.

FIFA will be investigating the disgraceful post match conduct and behaviour of the Argentinians.  The world's press has already condemned such disgraceful and shameful delinquency.  The political aspects in showing a message about Las Malvinas will be bitterly remembered. These players were role models but now some of them are examples of bad sportsmanship and being sore losers.  

Concerning heresy

Christians, those who love, serve and live in Christ Jesus, are enjoined to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Saints, those who are sanctified by the Lord’s grace, are involved in a spiritual battle against dark forces, spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6: 10 onwards makes this point clearly.

In the various denominations today there are destructive doctrines that have crept in slowly and subtly. They have been expounded and promoted by clever and cunning folk who believe that there can be spirituality without repentance, discipleship without holiness and Christianity without the cross. So their god has no wrath, their kingdom has no judgement, their followers are not concerned about sin, their Christ is a social worker and their authority derives from their own experience, knowledge and world view. Well that’s heresy.

TENBY IN JUNE

I spent a wonderful week in west Wales, in Pembrokeshire, notably Tenby, that's Dinbych yr Pysgod in Welsh.  After the heat of southern England, it was so splendid to spend time enjoying the milder weather and the sweet sea breezes, the beautiful beaches, the charming alleys, the coastal paths and small shops in and around Tenby. 

I wish to share some photographs, which I hope capture to some extent the love and affection I have for this special place, which I have visited regularly since the early 1970s when my wife had family in the area.

Under construction.  Seeking more photographs.

Ann Widdecombe, Rest in Paradise

 I have admired Ann Widdecombe's clarity, conviction, commitment to causes and her Christian faith.  I remember her climbing seven flights of stairs in the Home Office building in Queen Anne's Gate to keep fit.  AW did have a weight problem at times, and a love for chocolate. Unlike other HMG ministers she was never aloof, arrogant or haughty. In fact AW was friendly, gracious, kind and compassionate.

Ann Widdecombe was active in the Oxford alumni network and hosted London events. During her student days she was involved in Christian witness attending OICCU meetings.  In later life she became a Roman Catholic, disliking the weak, wishy washy and woke theology of the Anglican leadership, which seemed to be about sanctified good manners and little substance, not the Gospel that she believed in.

While many may disagree with her politics and theological views, Ann Widdecombe was a woman of great integrity, grit and determination, who passionately believed in free speech. AW was courteous and vigorous in debate, never nasty or unpleasant, a gentle soul.

May Ann rest in paradise. Pax. RIP.

The Firm, the Royal Family, the Monarchy is going through troubled times

Hardly a day goes by when a new royal scandal arises.  Every Sunday paper seems to have some feature that exposes dark deeds in high places, in the Palace, its press office and among those associated with the Royal Family, the Firm. 

There is clearly less respect and deference these days, and those against the British Monarchy have grown stronger in their calls for an end to what is seen as outdated, old fashioned, parasitical and opaque.  The lack of accountability, the obvious mendacity and dishonesty all bring the institution in to disrepute. There are signs of moral declension, cover ups, fraud, failure to uphold justice and the rule of law.  

The Royal Family, the Firm, seems to be more concerned about its image and prestige than its duty to the citizens and subjects.  

AMW and Sarah Ferguson have opened up a can of worms, a toxic mess that is eating its way into the upper echelons of the State and the Firm. The damage done is probably incalculable, but perhaps the Firm will find a way to adapt, change and charm the people.

A Marvelous Magnificent May 2026

 I enjoyed the fabulous weather at the end of May. I went on a prayer walk in the Meon Valley. I went to Touraine, Val de Loire, staying at an excellent hotel in Tours and visited chateaux. Chenonceau is probably my favourite as architectural beauty and brilliance. But the charm, the history and what is on show at Clos Luce, the final working and resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, was outstanding, glorious, wonderful.  So much to see and take in.  I could have spent another full day there and some. 

It was lovely to walk and pray by the clear chalk stream that passes through Corhampton, Meonstoke and Exton.  The ancient churches are cool on a warm spring day, and we have had some really warm ones this year. It was, I believe, the hottest May on record. Phew, some people wilted in the heat. I love it, though the humidity can be unpleasant.

In the Loire Valley it was as hot as Hampshire but it was a pleasant dry heat, without humidity.  It is a beautiful part of France, la Belle France.  The chateaux are splendid and the gastronomy was superb. I loved the cheeses and was tempted by the gateaux, but the haute cuisine was something special.  I did not have a disappointing meal at all. There are so many excellent restaurants in Tours.  It is not cheap but it was a memorable experience, for the gourmet and the gourmande.