Obey Them that Rule???

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

MOW,

You're stating the pastor's responsibilities quite well, in reference to handling power and authority carefully.

How would you state the responsibilities of saints to submit to their elders? Or your own responsibility as such?

My thinking has completely changed on this subject. I used to spend my time figuring out how to get people to "line up." I used to spend my time teaching submission to authority. (mine, and then God's ) I now spend the majority of my time figuring out how to serve. People are catching on to this "serving" thing and are beginning to do much more of it themselves.

I am amazed at how people are willing to "submit" or follow when you're not trying to get them to! I also willingly submit to the leaders/ministers on our staff. They clearly recognize me as their leader/pastor and I recognize them as my accountability. They NEVER try to tell me what to preach or teach or how to lead. However, we all speak freely in leadership meetings. I have never had one single argument break out in our meetings and we have dealt with some difficult subjects from time to time.