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

New Guy · #1 01-27-2009, 10:09 AM

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 · #2 01-27-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

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 · #3 01-27-2009, 10:55 AM

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

Hoovie · #4 01-27-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

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 · #5 01-27-2009, 11:06 AM

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.

tbpew · #6 01-27-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

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?

My assessment (subject to all the limitations that comprise me), is that it came from a misunderstanding of how to apply a former thing and a new thing; a type/shadow vs. a revealed substance.

Moses' seat, operating within the congregation of Israel and a tabernacle that was a building....foreshadowed messiah, the lamb, our 'Adoni', being the head of a new, perfect tabernacle that is a body.

The current plethora [fun word!] of character types involving 'Pastoral authority' manifestations, seem to be the result of a set of unlimited possibilities when a human attempts reconstrution of a former {destroyed] tabernacle as a building and select himself to sit in Moses' seat.

DividedThigh · #7 01-27-2009, 11:32 AM

anybody ever hear of Christian Liberty, the right to do what is right, because it is right, dt

MomOfADramaQn · #8 01-27-2009, 11:35 AM

A pastor is supposed to be a "shepherd" but too many of them interpret this to be "dictator"

TJJJ · #9 01-27-2009, 11:43 AM

There are absolutely some bad ones out there, but let's not let them ruin a Godly principle. Pastors are an essental part of the five-fold ministry. I do concur with some though that things can and are taken overboard.

God Bless the Anointed Ministry!

tbpew · #10 01-27-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DividedThigh

anybody ever hear of Christian Liberty, the right to do what is right, because it is right, dt

but dt, the same source of understanding (scriptures) that provide us the witness of liberty that grace has provided, also is:
1.Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
2.Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
3.Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4.All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I'm pretty sure you get the picture.

We, as bondservants of our loving Lord, do not operate as much from liberty, but more in service to the one who has redeemed us from the snare of our own transgressions.