How much authority does the leadership of your church/ synagogue/ mosque/ coven/ other have over your life?
What sorts of things do you listen to them about? What sorts of things would you draw a line and say, "no, I won’t listen to you about that?" (In other words, is their authority able to be questioned at any point?)
I’ll answer this only as it pertains to Christian believers and the leadership in their local church fellowships. I’m also going to assume that we’re talking about a Biblically based local church fellowship.
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account (to God). Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)
If you are in a Scriptural local assembly of believers there shouldn’t be a problem with obeying the principle of Heb. 3:17.. Just as a good tender of literal sheep would not do anything detrimental to the sheep under his care.. Neither should God’s shepherds in the local church.
However, if you are in a place where there is a "leader" that is promoting, teaching, or demanding anything that is contrary to Scripture.. Then that "leader" is not one of God’s shepherds.. And should not be listened to… As a matter of fact.. The church should excommunicate that "leader" from the local church fellowship.
The following passage from the third chapter of Timothy lists the main "qualifications" of a Biblical church leader. A man that fits this description should not have a problem receiving the respect of those to whom he ministers.
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
The leaders of my church don’t have much authority over my life. I go to my church because it agrees with my beliefs. If something clashes, I investigate.
Almost none. Most rabbis have the status of respected scholars rather than people who can control your life. (Some Chassidic groups do, um, "revere" their rebbes.) In fact, I’d consider myself a pretty poor Jew if I didn’t carefully consider and question what was taught to me.
none really we believe in grace but their is a difference between working your way towards the perfect mark of Christ and having habits or beliefs that put others of the Faith in danger
the church is like my family, and they say things to me out of care and concern for my physical and spiritual being. I respect my church family and listen to what they have to say, but it doesnt mean I will *always* listen to them.
I used to attend a Protestant church, I don’t even recall the denomination to be honest. But I was extremely young and only went to Sunday school, so it never really had an impact on me as I stopped attending when I was 7′ish.
Lately, none at all. I have been to a church once in 4 years, and it was to watch Passion of the Christ on Easter with my grandparents. Not to be ignorant, but that was the most boring and awkward 2 hours of my life, and I desperately want them back.
My pastor is well known for telling me "What does the Bible say?" Drives me crazy sometimes when I just want him to tell me what to do. He refuses to do that. I have certainly learned to appreciate his non-answers!
I believe the pastor is there to guide and to teach truth. He is to be inspiring, but the Scriptures are the authority. My responsibility is to obey God and serve in love.
None. I attend a Southern Baptist church. They do not control our lives. Most all the pastors are like open books. Doctrinally we are all very close all across America.
well if you personally have a relationship with the Creator..you know the words of GOD..and the characteristic of GOD..moral standard…so having all of this..UNDERSTANDING FIRST…you know how the preacher ought to preach…on faith..in GOD will be done..and of His faithfulness to YOU..his children..to help you. walk TALL.in midst of fire.flood, and drought in the spiritual and emotional battles you’ll face.
so what them preachers says to you..has to line up…iF GOD said..don’t swear..then dont.
if GOD said no sex before mearraige THEN DON"T.
IF GOD said..resist the devil..then DO IT>
if HE said..resist your flesh will..THEN DO IT>
HE will empower you..supernaturally to overcome.
IF GOD..words said..to TITHE..then DO IT.
not in fear..do it..in obedience.
and He’ll protect your other 90% ofyour income.
if GOD..said..I have you power..
and give you my love.my peaced..my joy
then worry not about what is wrong in your life..ect.
you see..you have to go to homeschooling at your home..read the bible..ect..
and know what your bible says..yet..some translation.might be hard.some little off..but keep on learning..what GOD said..one day a week at church for 45minute is NOT enough to overcome.the world..LIKE JEUS did..we have to give time to GOD..word daily..
so to answer your question..that depend on issue..yet..no body is my boss.
they are our mentor..they coach us to come up higher..do better be consistant..ect.
‘authority?’ none at all! influence? quite a bit…i have a lot of respect for the ‘leaders’-i have to use quotation marks because the deacons and elders see their role as leading by example, but primarily as servants of the congregation…these are people i know to be of great love and faith, with a lot of wisdom and life experience behind them-i have a great deal of respect for them, and i carefully consider what they have to say, accept it in the spirit given…but ultimately i have no spiritual authority than God the Father, Christ the Savior, and the Holy Spirit as it guides me
well, i give my authority to the bible first, and praying for what god would have me do. as far as respecting the ‘authority’ in my church, there is one pastor i would go to with any situation, and the other is one with whom i limit my conversations, as our personalities are different. i have great trust and respect for my pastor, and he has advised me in some very difficult times. he has never told me what to do, just helped point out some things in the situation that i may not be seeing clearly, or that i should be praying for a little more.
my pastor doesn’t act like an authority (although i’m sure he could, because he is very well the smartest man i know, as well as having lived a life of one who didn’t believe in god…he’s no stranger to "life"); rather, it’s more of a guidance situation. i think in this way, he stays away from the danger of having people "follow" him as an authority, and our church is very big on everyone making decisions together (at congregational meetings of members). we all choose who to hire, who’s on the board of elders and deacons, and we all have a voice in the various ministries that are taking place. our pastor doesn’t micromanage because he doesn’t want to. he preaches the gospel from the bible and makes no apologies for what the bible says. he stands behind the word of god and knows that he is human just like the rest of us, and i think his example of humility safeguards him and our church from being seen as too authoritative. long answer! phew!
God and my Church Has a Lot of Authority over Me.
not Priestly Authority.
because as Hagia Sophia Church
in Constantinople was Said to be Earth In Heaven In Beauty so is our church to me.
I feel the presence of God in our Church/ Sophia/ and Beauty
I follow the liturgy, People who speak of the Greek Rite generally mean that of Constantinople … every rite in the Church, every historic liturgy in Christendom is a Greek Rite
The liturgy is very long…
Thus the Fathers dont really have any authority over me. God does, I come to pray be in tune with God , listen to the sermon by the priests and go home.
They have no autority over my life< Jesus does I fellowship at the church . The reason I do is to be around like minded people! The church I attend talks about Christ his teachings and how to better follow! If you are in a church telling you how to run your life ….Run!
My pastor at my church would like me to volunteer on the hospitality team; they met about once a month. When ever we have dinners at church, I will be required to help out. This means staying longer after church, helping with special guest function etc. The problem is I’m on the Praise Team, we have prayer on Monday nights, Wensday night service, Saturday Praise rehearsal and Sunday Morning Chruch.
In addition, I work part time out side of my home, my husband doesn’t attend church, I must balance my extra time away from him. I minister at my job every other Sunday that I work, and this summer I will be having Bible study at my home for family and friends.
I told my pastor that I wasn’t able to be a part of the hospitality team, but my pastor cut me short and asked my to search my heart. I felt like a child and my pastor was not really hearing my heart. I agreed to pray about it.
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Comments: 18 comments
All the Islamic fields that are marked with REQ must be filled when searched for
truthsayer
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Another interesting question!
I’ll answer this only as it pertains to Christian believers and the leadership in their local church fellowships. I’m also going to assume that we’re talking about a Biblically based local church fellowship.
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account (to God). Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)
If you are in a Scriptural local assembly of believers there shouldn’t be a problem with obeying the principle of Heb. 3:17.. Just as a good tender of literal sheep would not do anything detrimental to the sheep under his care.. Neither should God’s shepherds in the local church.
However, if you are in a place where there is a "leader" that is promoting, teaching, or demanding anything that is contrary to Scripture.. Then that "leader" is not one of God’s shepherds.. And should not be listened to… As a matter of fact.. The church should excommunicate that "leader" from the local church fellowship.
The following passage from the third chapter of Timothy lists the main "qualifications" of a Biblical church leader. A man that fits this description should not have a problem receiving the respect of those to whom he ministers.
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
Hope this helps.
Janet - VT Scoffette (((Debra)))
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
The fact that I’m an atheist should tell you something. I don’t listen to any of them.
Mystifying Intrigue
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
The leaders of my church don’t have much authority over my life. I go to my church because it agrees with my beliefs. If something clashes, I investigate.
Saria A
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Almost none. Most rabbis have the status of respected scholars rather than people who can control your life. (Some Chassidic groups do, um, "revere" their rebbes.) In fact, I’d consider myself a pretty poor Jew if I didn’t carefully consider and question what was taught to me.
ursuskind
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
none really we believe in grace but their is a difference between working your way towards the perfect mark of Christ and having habits or beliefs that put others of the Faith in danger
rae
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
the church is like my family, and they say things to me out of care and concern for my physical and spiritual being. I respect my church family and listen to what they have to say, but it doesnt mean I will *always* listen to them.
Father Creepy
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
None, because I do not belong to a religous organization.
FINGER
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I used to attend a Protestant church, I don’t even recall the denomination to be honest. But I was extremely young and only went to Sunday school, so it never really had an impact on me as I stopped attending when I was 7′ish.
Lately, none at all. I have been to a church once in 4 years, and it was to watch Passion of the Christ on Easter with my grandparents. Not to be ignorant, but that was the most boring and awkward 2 hours of my life, and I desperately want them back.
In short, none.
sunny_girl
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
My pastor is well known for telling me "What does the Bible say?" Drives me crazy sometimes when I just want him to tell me what to do. He refuses to do that. I have certainly learned to appreciate his non-answers!
Tom
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I believe the pastor is there to guide and to teach truth. He is to be inspiring, but the Scriptures are the authority. My responsibility is to obey God and serve in love.
John S
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
None. I attend a Southern Baptist church. They do not control our lives. Most all the pastors are like open books. Doctrinally we are all very close all across America.
blessedrobert
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
well if you personally have a relationship with the Creator..you know the words of GOD..and the characteristic of GOD..moral standard…so having all of this..UNDERSTANDING FIRST…you know how the preacher ought to preach…on faith..in GOD will be done..and of His faithfulness to YOU..his children..to help you. walk TALL.in midst of fire.flood, and drought in the spiritual and emotional battles you’ll face.
so what them preachers says to you..has to line up…iF GOD said..don’t swear..then dont.
if GOD said no sex before mearraige THEN DON"T.
IF GOD said..resist the devil..then DO IT>
if HE said..resist your flesh will..THEN DO IT>
HE will empower you..supernaturally to overcome.
IF GOD..words said..to TITHE..then DO IT.
not in fear..do it..in obedience.
and He’ll protect your other 90% ofyour income.
if GOD..said..I have you power..
and give you my love.my peaced..my joy
then worry not about what is wrong in your life..ect.
you see..you have to go to homeschooling at your home..read the bible..ect..
and know what your bible says..yet..some translation.might be hard.some little off..but keep on learning..what GOD said..one day a week at church for 45minute is NOT enough to overcome.the world..LIKE JEUS did..we have to give time to GOD..word daily..
so to answer your question..that depend on issue..yet..no body is my boss.
they are our mentor..they coach us to come up higher..do better be consistant..ect.
dawn m
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
People are all imperfect and are capable of being wrong. Therefore, we should not blindly follow anyone.
The bible teaches us to be responsible for our beliefs and knowing what is true.
If you are going to "follow" a leader, you should know where they are leading you.
spike misses debra
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
‘authority?’ none at all! influence? quite a bit…i have a lot of respect for the ‘leaders’-i have to use quotation marks because the deacons and elders see their role as leading by example, but primarily as servants of the congregation…these are people i know to be of great love and faith, with a lot of wisdom and life experience behind them-i have a great deal of respect for them, and i carefully consider what they have to say, accept it in the spirit given…but ultimately i have no spiritual authority than God the Father, Christ the Savior, and the Holy Spirit as it guides me
Chasity J
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
well, i give my authority to the bible first, and praying for what god would have me do. as far as respecting the ‘authority’ in my church, there is one pastor i would go to with any situation, and the other is one with whom i limit my conversations, as our personalities are different. i have great trust and respect for my pastor, and he has advised me in some very difficult times. he has never told me what to do, just helped point out some things in the situation that i may not be seeing clearly, or that i should be praying for a little more.
my pastor doesn’t act like an authority (although i’m sure he could, because he is very well the smartest man i know, as well as having lived a life of one who didn’t believe in god…he’s no stranger to "life"); rather, it’s more of a guidance situation. i think in this way, he stays away from the danger of having people "follow" him as an authority, and our church is very big on everyone making decisions together (at congregational meetings of members). we all choose who to hire, who’s on the board of elders and deacons, and we all have a voice in the various ministries that are taking place. our pastor doesn’t micromanage because he doesn’t want to. he preaches the gospel from the bible and makes no apologies for what the bible says. he stands behind the word of god and knows that he is human just like the rest of us, and i think his example of humility safeguards him and our church from being seen as too authoritative. long answer! phew!
zena e
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
God and my Church Has a Lot of Authority over Me.
not Priestly Authority.
because as Hagia Sophia Church
in Constantinople was Said to be Earth In Heaven In Beauty so is our church to me.
I feel the presence of God in our Church/ Sophia/ and Beauty
I follow the liturgy, People who speak of the Greek Rite generally mean that of Constantinople … every rite in the Church, every historic liturgy in Christendom is a Greek Rite
The liturgy is very long…
Thus the Fathers dont really have any authority over me. God does, I come to pray be in tune with God , listen to the sermon by the priests and go home.
lewisriverman
February 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
They have no autority over my life< Jesus does I fellowship at the church . The reason I do is to be around like minded people! The church I attend talks about Christ his teachings and how to better follow! If you are in a church telling you how to run your life ….Run!
Lynda
April 10th, 2010 at 8:57 am
My pastor at my church would like me to volunteer on the hospitality team; they met about once a month. When ever we have dinners at church, I will be required to help out. This means staying longer after church, helping with special guest function etc. The problem is I’m on the Praise Team, we have prayer on Monday nights, Wensday night service, Saturday Praise rehearsal and Sunday Morning Chruch.
In addition, I work part time out side of my home, my husband doesn’t attend church, I must balance my extra time away from him. I minister at my job every other Sunday that I work, and this summer I will be having Bible study at my home for family and friends.
I told my pastor that I wasn’t able to be a part of the hospitality team, but my pastor cut me short and asked my to search my heart. I felt like a child and my pastor was not really hearing my heart. I agreed to pray about it.
My question is I’m I being rebellious?
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