Do you hafta go through the pastor?

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I am not unwilling to discuss it in the context of applications; it seemed to me that you were insisting that there was NO application of what we would call pastoral authority sanctioned by the Scripture.

Discussing the various applications and boundaries of pastoral authority have consumed more bandwidth than any other thing on these forums. I have discussed it until I am bored with it. That is basically at the crux of all the Standards threads. They've been done to death.

As the pastor of our church, there are some things I take the oversight of.

I determine who preaches in our pulpit.

I cast vision for the local assembly, and oversee the execution of that vision.

I determine, through the guidance of Scripture and the Spirit, the expectations we have for our leadership within the Body.

I preach the Gospel and teach the Word regularly, and endeavor to teach principles that equip the Body for maturity, ministry, and spiritual growth.

Because they trust me, saints ask me for advice and counsel on various matters when they feel the need. I do my best to give them wise counsel.

Any level of submission they give me is entirely voluntary, as I cannot force anyone to do anything, and have no desire to.

Very well said, Elder...