Those qualified to lead any given church have certain characteristics. They are trustworthy, truthful, and respected. They are concerned more about others than they are about self or rules. They make decisions that show respect and kindness toward others. They serve rather than lording over. They care for those that God has placed in their care. They live lives that exemplify Jesus.
Leaders in the church bear responsibility, not authority. The only one with authority is Jesus, and his Word, the Bible, is our only authoritative document. Leaders are responsible to Jesus and his Word to care for the flock of God.
So, to any church leaders out there, reflect upon your leadership. If it is anything other than submission to the authority of Christ, carried out through loving care for the flock of God, if it in any way resembles authoritarianism, then, frankly, you are leading in a sinful manner and need to repent.
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Matthew 20:25–28 (ESV): But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Peter 5:1–5 (ESV): So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
