The Bible does not provide exact parameters for how much authority a pastor should have over a church. However, there are some key principles that can guide our understanding of pastoral authority.
Pastors are called to lead and shepherd the church
Several passages indicate that pastors have a role of leadership within the church. For example, 1 Peter 5:1-2 (ESV) says: “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.” Here, Peter is speaking to church elders, which would include pastors, and instructing them to “shepherd” and exercise “oversight” over the church. This implies a position of leadership.
Other verses also point to a pastoral leadership role, such as 1 Timothy 3:4-5 requiring overseers (which would include pastors) to manage and lead their households well as proof of their ability to manage and lead the church. Overall, the Bible makes it clear that pastors do have a leadership responsibility within the local church.
The authority of pastors isderived from God and His Word
While pastors do have authority and leadership responsibilities in the church, their authority is not inherent or dictatorial. Rather, it is derived from their calling by God and their faithfulness to Scripture. Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) instructs church members to obey leaders and submit to them because leaders are “keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” Pastors’ authority comes from their accountability before God, not personal dominance.
Additionally, Acts 20:28-31 charges pastors to be guardians and overseers who watch out for false teachers and keep the church grounded in biblical truth. Their authority rests in biblical fidelity, not personal charisma or talents. As 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) exhorts, pastors must “preach the word.” Scripture is the final authority, not the pastor.
Pastoral authority has limits
While pastors are called to lead churches and do have God-given authority in that role, their authority is not without limits. Here are some key limits on pastoral authority:
- Pastors cannot contradict God’s Word or command people to do anything opposed to biblical truth (Isaiah 8:20).
- Pastors are still under the authority of Scripture themselves and part of the broader church body (Matthew 20:25-28).
- Pastors cannot claim infallibility or immunity from criticism and accountability from church members (Acts 17:11; Galatians 2:11).
- Pastors only have authority over the local church body that has specifically entrusted them as overseers (1 Peter 5:1-2).
- The authority of pastors is focused on spiritual matters, not necessarily day-to-day practical administration of the church (Acts 6:1-7).
In summary, pastoral authority has limits and exists to serve the church body, not the pastor. It must be carried out in continued humility and submission to God’s Word.
Pastors and churches should aim for shared leadership
Given the bounds on pastoral authority, it is wise for pastors to approach leadership not as dictators but as those called to equip the broader church to carry out ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Pastors are not meant to be the sole doers in the church but to prepare all believers to serve (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
This means pastors should aim to foster shared leadership and servant leadership, recognizing the gifts and roles of others in the church (1 Peter 4:10). Rather than claiming sole power and control, pastors can humbly submit their lives as examples for the flock to follow (1 Peter 5:3). Pastors are under-shepherds meant to emulate and point people to the Head Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Appropriate ways for pastors to exercise authority
Given these principles, here are some appropriate ways for pastors to exercise their authority and leadership within a church:
- Preaching and teaching the Word of God faithfully.
- Providing spiritual counsel, correction, and guidance when needed.
- Overseeing the church’s doctrine and ministry to ensure faithfulness to Scripture.
- Equipping members to do the work of ministry by discipling and mentoring.
- Modeling Christ-like humility, service, and sacrifice in their lives.
- Facilitating important spiritual decisions like baptism and church discipline in line with biblical standards.
- Voicing directional input on major church decisions after seeking collective input.
- Delegate areas of church ministry and administration they cannot directly oversee themselves.
Appropriate pastoral authority does not control or silence the congregation but humbly equips them to live out God’s calling. It points them towards dependence on Christ, not the pastor.
Inappropriate expressions of pastoral authority
To contrast, here are some inappropriate expressions of pastoral authority to avoid:
- Making significant church decisions without collective input.
- Claiming infallibility or immunity from criticism.
- Exercising sole control over church finances/assets without accountability.
- Dictating major life decisions for congregants.
- Censoring political opinions and matters not directly pertaining to biblical truth.
- Failing to develop future leaders and share authority.
- Using manipulative preaching techniques purely to elicit obedience.
- Covering up or failing to address internal church problems and abuse.
These oversteps fail to recognize the bounds on pastoral authority for the good of the church body.
Maintaining accountability and humility
For pastoral authority to be exercised appropriately, accountability and humility must be maintained. Pastors should continually welcome the counsel and even criticism of church members. Modeling teachability keeps authority from going to a pastor’s head (Acts 20:28-31).
Likewise, pastors recognizing their own imperfection and dependence on Christ’s grace will exercise authority not arrogantly but in gentleness and self-sacrifice, avoiding heavy-handed demands (1 Peter 5:1-3).
Seeking accountability through a board of elders or similar leadership structure can also help prevent pastoral authority from becoming unchecked.
Leaving improper exercise of authority up to God
Even when pastors overstep appropriate authority, church members should avoid gossip or retaliation (1 Timothy 5:19-20). If private rebukes fail to persuade an erring pastor, it is left in God’s hands, trusting that divine discipline and justice will ultimately prevail (Romans 12:19). The focus must remain on each Christian’s personal integrity regardless of leadership failures.
Conclusion
Pastors do carry an important leadership role in churches according to the Bible. However, their exercise of authority has critical bounds and must be carried out in service to Christ and the gospel, not personal dominance. By preaching the Word faithfully, developing shared leadership, and practicing humility and accountability, pastors can lean on God’s guidance rather than their own fallibility. As Hebrews 13:17 summarizes, congregants are called to obey leaders so long as those leaders are faithfully watching over their souls according to God’s desires.
