August 18, 2013

Who Runs the Church? Part 1

Pastor: Pastor Marc Wragg Series: Selected Scriptures

Who has the authority to lead the Church? Catholicism teaches that the Pope is Christ's representative on earth, and therefore personally wields Christ's authority. Some Protestant churches teach that authority rests in a denominational board, a single pastor who acts as CEO, a group of men called elders within the local church, or in the collective wisdom of the congregation. Many charismatics believe that authority rests with modern-day apostles who speak revelation directly from God. But the Scriptures say that authority does not rest with men, but with Christ Himself. He communicates His commands to us through His Word, and elders are charged with the responsibility of ministering God's Word to the Church. Our task isn't to lead the church with our innovation, wisdom, skills, or personality. Our only concern is to submit to Christ and be faithful.