THE AUTHORITY OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY

By Gary Ray Branscome

The authority of the public ministry is not the authority of this world, the authority of rank and position, but the authority of the Word that is proclaimed! God’s Word is, and must be, the highest authority in every Christian congregation, and in the life of every believer.

The words, “One is your Master, even Christ; and you are all brethren,” not only tell us that all believers are equal, but that all ministers are equal (Matthew 23:8). Therefore, there are no ranks within the public ministry. I am not saying that a congregation cannot assign positions [such as pastor and assistant pastor], but that such positions are man-made, and carry no weight with God.

Because those who hold the public ministry have been called to teach the Word of God, it is fitting and right for those who are taught to “Listen to those who lead the congregation, and follow their guidance,” (Hebrews 13:17). And, the words, “It would not make sense for us to neglect the word of God, to serve tables,” tell us that it is perfectly reasonable for a congregation to have other men in positions that do not involve teaching the Word of God (Acts 6:2). At the same time, those who are taught should be encouraged to search “the scriptures daily, to see whether” the things they are taught square with the Word of God (Acts 17:11).

The words, “He who listens to you listens to me; and he who rejects you rejects me; and he who rejects me rejects Him who sent me,” should never be pulled out of context (Luke 10:16). Christ spoke those words when He empowered seventy to “heal the sick… and tell them, The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:1, 9). Therefore, those who rejected what the seventy said were rejecting the gospel, not just disagreeing over some matter. However, while the words of Luke 10:16 should never be twisted to give divine authority to the word of man; they do condemn those who reject what the Bible plainly says. The words, “They rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the most High,” and “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and defiance is as iniquity and idolatry,” condemn both the layman who justifies his sin, and the pastor who explains away what the Bible plainly says (Psalm 107:11, 1Samuel 15:23).

While godly pastors are often loved and appreciated by those they serve, the words, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine,” warn us that will not always be the case (2Timothy 4:3). The words, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you,” could be cited to describe the way self-righteous or unrepentant church members sometimes treat a godly pastor (John 15:18). While the words, “Woe to you, when all men speak well of you! for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets,” could be cited to describe how false teachers are often treated (Luke 6:26). At the same time, those who are teaching falsehood are quick to condemn any godly Christians who speak out. For that reason Christians need to be watchful and have their faith firmly grounded in the Word of God. As it is written, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1Peter 5:8).

Because the real world is often complex and difficult, I am aware of some congregations that have chosen a retired pastor to be on call in case of a controversy. His role is not intended to be one of authority, but that of a neutral mediator. And, his job is to help settle any controversy in a way that is in accord with God’s Word. That sounds like a good idea to me.