Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?

[New Guy]

Been reading apostolic forums for a long time. Guess a professional lurker. ONe of the things that intrigues me is the doctrine I guess you could call it of pastoral authority. I see this acrsoss all the different apostolic forums I read. My question is where does the bible give the pastor authority over the lives of the people he pastors? I am amazed at the differing degrees that pastors think they can control their parishioners. Where does this come from?

[deltaguitar]

Originally Posted by New Guy

Been reading apostolic forums for a long time. Guess a professional lurker. ONe of the things that intrigues me is the doctrine I guess you could call it of pastoral authority. I see this acrsoss all the different apostolic forums I read. My question is where does the bible give the pastor authority over the lives of the people he pastors? I am amazed at the differing degrees that pastors think they can control their parishioners. Where does this come from?

Honestly, how can a pastor control anyone? The pastor should set the example and preach Jesus and if the folks submit themselves to the Holy Spirit everything should be ok.

The problems start when Pastors don't trust God and have to help him out with their carnal knowledge.

Oh yeah, welcome to AFF!

[DividedThigh]

it comes from the idea that in order for people to be saved they have to submit to the tyranny of a dictator, same as politics , absolute authority always corrupts absolutely, dt

[Neck]

Originally Posted by DividedThigh

it comes from the idea that in order for people to be saved they have to submit to the tyranny of a dictator, same as politics , absolute authority always corrupts absolutely, dt

I agree there is a difference in spiritual guidance and control.

When a minister starts down the road of I don't care what I say..

Then the polish and the spiritual authority goes out the door...

There needs to be a real ministerial shake up...

Stop preaching money and start preaching Christ and him crucified.

[MomOfADramaQn]

Originally Posted by Neck

I agree there is a difference in spiritual guidance and control.

When a minister starts down the road of I don't care what I say..

Then the polish and the spiritual authority goes out the door...

There needs to be a real ministerial shake up...

Stop preaching money and start preaching Christ and him crucified.

The preacher that I am referring to has literally said from the pulpit "you can like or lump it or back up and bump it" when he is talking about his "rules"

[Neck]

Originally Posted by MomOfADramaQn

The preacher that I am referring to has literally said from the pulpit "you can like or lump it or back up and bump it" when he is talking about his "rules"

I would stand up as the prophet Nathan and say thou are the man.

Chances are the guy is hiding something of his own.

So many times these hardliners have major issues themselves.

Best thing would be to move on.....

Or stop giving any money to the church.

Force the lights to get turned out.

It is the only way the light will go one in his head...

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by New Guy

Been reading apostolic forums for a long time. Guess a professional lurker. ONe of the things that intrigues me is the doctrine I guess you could call it of pastoral authority. I see this acrsoss all the different apostolic forums I read. My question is where does the bible give the pastor authority over the lives of the people he pastors? I am amazed at the differing degrees that pastors think they can control their parishioners. Where does this come from?

Welcome to AFF!


It amazes me that people would be willing to hand over the various aspects of their lives to a pastor or priest.

If they are telling you where/what to eat, where to shop, and what to do with your money (beyond being a contributor) and you buy into that - then you are party to the abuse.

I am to guard my own life and the lives of my family - if they are submitted to abuse it without my loud and clear protest it is my fault.

[RandyWayne]

Pastors DO have quite a bit of authority as leaders of their particular congregation. It is in the same same vein as the president of the local chapter of "fill in the name" has over their group as well. God recognizes government and grants the pastor authority just as he does the members of your town council or president of the local knitting club.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Pastors DO have quite a bit of authority as leaders of their particular congregation. It is in the same same vein as the president of the local chapter of "fill in the name" has over their group as well. God recognizes government and grants the pastor authority just as he does the members of your town council or president of the local knitting club.

except in this case the by-laws are pretty much written and adopted in the Holy Scriptures. There is very little room for private interpretation - that has more in common with the emperors and dictators than a New Testament church Elder.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

except in this case the by-laws are pretty much written and adopted in the Holy Scriptures. There is very little room for private interpretation - that has more in common with the emperors and dictators than a New Testament church Elder.

Except the by-laws that deal with financial matters, church schedules and times, employee pay, paperwork for tax purposes and accounting in general, board meetings, voting procedures, etc..... basically the "business end" of running a church.