(This is part 3 of an ongoing series)
Establish the need: Most Christians recognize that Pastors/Elders and Deacons have some authority, but does the Congregation (all the members of the church) also have any authority?
Purpose: We will see a Biblical argument in support for the church congregation’s authority so that we will be aware and recognize the congregation’s authority in our church life.
The congregation has authority to have members exercise their spiritual gifts
Proof
- There are spiritual gifts God has given the church, for example: “However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
- Yet one needs to have authority to practice one’s responsibility: “Don’t tell me I have a job if you won’t give me the authority to do my job! That’s like telling me to clean a building without giving me the keys to the building” (Jonathan Leeman, Understanding the Congregation’s authority, 5).
Practice: Have you ever realized that if members of the church have spiritual gifts, they have the authority to exercise it? Spiritual authority exists in the members of the church!
That’s a good point God gives authority for responsibilities given
I think that was a good point too!
never saw spiritual gifts in this way before
Good reminder:
“Have you ever realized that if members of the church have spiritual gifts, they have the authority to exercise it? Spiritual authority exists in the members of the church!”
Admittedly, I never considered before reading your series of posts on this topic that members might not have the authority to exercise their spiritual gifts. I assume there are church denominations that reject this.
That’s encouraging to hear you considered that in light of this post. Have a blessed morning a a blessed day brother!
Thanks for the good message! Authoritarian churches teach on spiritual gifts but don’t allow members to exercise them.
Which is crazy isn’t it? I believe the New Testament method of church prevents tyrannical ministry! Or helps fights against it than many denominational structures today
I completely agree with this in principle, how the church (especially in more reformed churches or traditional churches for lack of a better word!) encourages and applies this to women I think is really, really lacking.
I agree. Members authority is important and that include women!!!
It is sad that women have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit but not the authority to exercise them.
Blessings.
Great insight. I have been involved in many churches over the years. Most would not allow members who have been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to actually exercise them. It is sad and I think it grieves the Holy Spirit. I also agree with Mandy about the role of women.
Blessings.
Thanks for reading this. I hope you are doing well
The church congregation has authority contrary to what Rome teaches
Agreed. Very Specific that you mentioned Rome
Yes my country have Catholics