Clearly, God does not authorize preachers to rule congregations. 2 John 9 says, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God…” Venturing outside the limits of God’s word is very dangerous. What results from this practice?
Continue reading “DOES THE BIBLE PERMIT PREACHERS TO RULE CHURCHES?: Part 4 – What Results from Preacher Dictatorships?”
Not all have book, chapter, and verse for ruling churches. Some reject the doctrine of evangelistic authority. Yet they still “lord it over” congregations by overassertiveness. A sound, Australian missionary raised support in the United States. He told me that his biggest obstacles were outspoken, overbearing preachers. He would present his case to a congregation’s leadership, only to find the men who said they would contribute had changed their minds. Preachers met with them later and talked them out of contributing to his work. He said he cringed when a local preacher was in the elders’ meeting when he asked for financial support.
Continue reading “DOES THE BIBLE PERMIT PREACHERS TO RULE CHURCHES?: Part 3 – Preachers Who Rule Another Way”
Evangelistic authority proponents use 1 Titus 1:5 as a proof text. Paul wrote, “For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you may set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.” They believe preachers are to resolve all problems and appoint elders. Evangelists also must determine lines of fellowship and control a church’s business.
Continue reading “DOES THE BIBLE PERMIT PREACHERS TO RULE CHURCHES?: Part 2: The Error of Evangelistic Authority”
The answer is no. Elders, not preachers, are commanded to oversee congregations. The word “overseer,” is a Bible term for elder (1 Tim. 3:1, Acts 20:28, NASB). It indicates that authority is not in the hands of preachers. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an overseer as “a supervisor, superintendent.” Churches without elders handle matters other than preaching and teaching through men’s business meetings. The Bible says, “Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), that you be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors” (1 Cor. 16:15-16).
Continue reading “DOES THE BIBLE PERMIT PREACHERS TO RULE CHURCHES?: Part 1 – God’s Plan for Church Leadership”