Blog

This article is called “How much authority does a Pastor or Minister have?” The answer to this question will vary according to each person’s opinion. It will also vary in the church world depending on what so called denomination you hold too. I do want to say here at the start that there are 2 similar words that have separate meanings. I have been a born-again Christian for 47 years. I was blessed to attend Bible College for 5 years.

My sole purpose in going to Bible College was to learn more about God so that I could help others. I did not care about getting degrees even though I got them. My degrees are still in their folders and are still in my closet where they have been since 1984. My kids have said, “Dad, those are nice, why don’t you hang them on the wall? You should be proud of them?” I tell them, my degrees do not make me special, my degrees only show that I am an educated idiot. My degrees do not and will NEVER give me any so called “AUTHORITY, OR POWER.”

Now here is factual information and the eternal truth. Before Jesus ascended back to heaven here is what He told his disciples. Matthew 28:18 “¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” THAT IS THE ULTIMATE POWER AND AUTHORITY. Regarding Pastors, Preachers and church officials who hold positions, I do believe there is a great difference between leadership and dictatorship.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN AUTHORITY AND POWER

Let’s look at a few definitions. You have to understand man’s definitions and Gods’ definitions and they are not always the same.  I will quote from Key Difference website. “When the question is about influencing or manipulating others, two things go that side by side in the field of management are Power and Authority. These two are used to make people respond in the manner directed. Power is referred to as the capacity of an individual to influence the will or conduct of others. As against, authority is termed as the right possessed by a person to give the command to others.” 

                                                                           Comparison Chart

“By the term power, we mean the personal capacity of an individual to influence others to do or not to do an act. It is independent and informal in nature derived from charisma and status.” 

“Authority is legal and formal right to a person, who can take decisions, give orders and commands to others to perform a particular task. It is conferred to high officials, to accomplish organization’s objectives. It is hierarchical in nature, it flows downward, i.e. delegated from superior to the subordinate.” I am not going to talk about a business where you have an employer and employee, I think we all understand that concept. But I can talk about legal authority. 

GOD’S AUTHORITY AND BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

God is the sole authority and is ALL Powerful. God has no limit. Pastor John McArthur was asked a question and I did love his answer, here is what he was asked? Pastor, “How much authority does a pastor have in the lives of their congregation? He replied and said, NONE. I have no authority in the church personally. My knowledge gives me no authority. My experience gives me no authority, my position here gives me no authority, my education gives me no authority, my title does not give me any authority. Only the Word of God has authority. Christ is the head of the church and mediates His Word. Christ rules the Church through His word and spirit. I can never exceed what is written in God’s authoritive Scripture.” WOW. 

Do not let churches around the world see that video or Pastors will be in real trouble. I promise you many so-called pastors and evangelist would be “JOB HUNTING.” In the church world of today, too many pastors exercise their OWN power and authority and claim that it is given to them from God. (They are the boss of the church with all power and authority). Before Jesus ascended from earth to heaven here is what He said. Matthew 28:18 “¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” He is the sole authority.

FAKE POWER AND AUTHORITY

 Oh Boy,We really do see a lot of this. Just turn on your television to get your weekly dose. I am always amazed to see how little Christians know about God’s Word. They do not study Gods Word, they do not know it, they swallow any false doctrine, and must be spoon fed like an infant. But what they are being spoon fed is false doctrine with false power and authority. God looks down from heaven and laughs, and I am sure He is angered at the “PERVERSION” that He sees. To many so-called churches, and denominations, have become a circus of entertainment. The attitude of so many today is “JUST MAKE ME FEEL GOOD.”  

The purpose and goal of these fake Religions are to build mega-churches with thousands who attend so they can be entertained and give millions of dollars. If you are a modern-day pastor, then you must be rewarded by the people. You must have a multi-million-dollar home, your own private jet, and the most expensive automobiles to prove that you are successful and blessed by God.  Just buy my book about the health and wealth gospel, where I can show you how God wants everyone to be rich. (This is a new fake gospel) In way too many churches, it’s all about the money, and power. They make themselves the authority, and are followed by millions of people. So what happens when you face someone who is really demon possessed. T.D. Jakes did. So did he use the miraculous gift of casting out demons to heal the man? NOPE 4 men dragged the man and kicked him out of the church click and go see. https://youtube.com/shorts/B4avs4zQHTE?feature=share

People are amazed to see and watch these fakes, use their fake powers, performing fake miracle gifts, that no longer exist, and ended with the Apostles death. Those miraculous gifts ended just as God’s Word said they would, but now you have new fake Apostles and fake Prophets, and people eat it up. EVEN FAKE RESURRECTIONS FROM THE DEAD. The churches no longer need to hear about sin and salvation. They need brain dead Zombies who only want the spectacular, that will make them feel good. Crank up the music and start the show. (Pop-corn, Pop-corn, get your fresh hot pop-corn). Just tell me how God is going to bless me, but not save me. 

BIG BUSINESS

Now you know you have to have a big crowd to be a successful church. That is where the real money is. Church signs now read, “COME ON IN AND SIN-ALL ARE WELCOME.” 10AM Service “DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR.” 11AM service Demon Deliverance. Do not miss next week’s service, “OPRAH WILL BE HERE TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT THE MANY ROADS THAT LEAD TO “god” and sign autography’s afterwards. Now that is a crowd pleaser. I really do have to ask now: “HOW MUCH AUTHORITY DOES A PASTOR OR MINISTER HAVE HERE? I believe it has to be their own man-made authority, and NOT GODS.

But you can trust me on this statement, “They will stand before God and give an account for it. II Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”                                                                                                                                                                   

CONCLUSION

Dear Reader, I learned years ago one of the most important lessons in the entire Bible. ANY REAL CHURCH MUST BE CHRIST CENTERED NOT MAN CENTERED. THERE IS NO GOSPEL MESSAGE WITHOUT CHRIST. ANYTHING ELSE IS A DOG AND PONY SHOW. An Apostle was someone who saw Jesus with their own eyes after the resurrection. There are no modern day Apostles. They were given the miracle gifts only to prove the message they were preaching about Jesus was true. The Apostles not only wrote the New Testament but set up churches. As they said in Gods Word, the Miracle gifts would cease (stop), and they did. I Corinthians 13:8-13. 

Any church or ministry that IS NOT built upon Jesus Christ, Him crucified and resurrected is not Christ Church. Many churches and ministries are but on their own works system. Let’s see what Jesus said about this and what He will say on Judgement Day.  MATTHEW 7:13 ” ¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. &22-23 “^{22 “}Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

God warns us over and over “DO NOT BE DECIEVED. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN AND FORGIVENESS. ONLY HE PROVIDED FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION. 

God took care of the SIN issue Himself, by providing the payment and sacrifice of his only begotten son JESUS to die and pay for “OUR SINS.” God accepted that payment for all sin for everyone who would accept Jesus’ payment. Jesus restored our relationship with God through His own death and sacrifice of His own LIFE and blood. Your choice is simple: “ACCEPT OR REJECT GODS’ FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS.” John 3:16

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That means call on God for forgiveness (ASK). Do you realize how much you truly need a Savior? God will save you from sins, self, Satan and hell. He will give you an eternal home in heaven. I ask you to turn to God. Jesus said in John 6:37 “THAT ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM WILL NEVER BE REJECTED.” ARE YOU WILLING? THIS IS YOUR CHOICE AND DECISION.  WOULD DO IT NOW. SIMPLY PUT: WE ARE THE SINNERS, JESUS IS THE SAVIOR. JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS. 

If you truly come to God and Christ for forgiveness, I would be glad if you would share it here so I can rejoice with you. Your thoughts, opinions and comments are welcome so leave them below in the comment section. Watch the video below of fake religious activity which is not Christ Centered. This is done by their own authority. JUST WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE IT.  RAY