Spiritual Authority is a controversial topic among Christians. It is either outright rejected (“Jesus is my pastor”) or taught as a foundation to our spiritual condition (“who is your spiritual covering”). Scripture is clear that Spiritual Authority does exist. We see it exercised in the book of Acts and by Paul in his letters. Unfortunately, this idea has been coopted by faith organizations, equating organizational authority with spiritual authority. These are two very different things.
Organizational Authority (OA) is bestowed on an individual, based on their position or title, by an organization. Since the organization granted the authority, this authority does not extend beyond the bounds of the organization. A pastor of the local Baptist organization does not have authority over the Presbyterian congregation down the street.
Spiritual Authority (SA) is earned by an individual based on their demonstrated spiritual maturity, wisdom, and love for us. When someone has spiritual authority in our lives, they speak to our mission and purpose in life – advising us in our spiritual growth, guiding us to maturity in our character and soundness in our understanding of scripture. This type of authority should not be granted without relationship. SA may or may not be accompanied by a title.
In an ideal world, those with OA have the character, wisdom, and maturity to also be granted SA. The pastors and elders in our local faith organizations love God and others deeply and put the growth of the individual above the growth of the organization. They understand servant leadership and serve well.
Our Christian lives often become dysfunctional when we confuse OA for SA. OA is not dependent on the spiritual character of the individual. As long as the title is conferred, so is the authority. We can end up giving abusers authority over the abused. Loyalty to the organization and the individual leading it is seen as a matter of godliness. Disloyalty is the mark of rebellion. I have seen such damage done to individuals because of this confusion.
As a participant in an organization, we submit ourselves to that authority only in the context of the organization. We understand that organizations are vehicles for the leader’s vision and mission. It is not our role to change the organization as organizations are not democracies. We may be invited to help shape how the organization functions, but the vision and mission remain the domain of those with OA. When an organization becomes unsafe or unhealthy, it is our spiritual duty to confront when we can, leave when we must, and not continue in service to a spiritually bankrupt leader.
Whether we belong to an organization or not, we should be seeking those in our community with the maturity, wisdom, and compassion deserving of the authority to speak into our lives. We should seek their advice, not just their opinion, and when they give it, we should follow. If character stumbles, the authority is withdrawn.
There is no greater honor or responsibility to be granted SA by those in your community. Protect it as a treasured gift from God himself. Seek greater intimacy with God, study the word, grow in wisdom, and walk in humility because God opposes the proud.
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