Q &A: HOW FAR DOES A PASTOR’S AUTHORITY BIBLICALLY AND LEGITIMATELY EXTEND?
The pastor’s office is that of a bishop (1 Tim. 3:2), an elder (1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-3) an overseer (Acts 20:28), and a supervisor (1 Pet. 5:2). All of these terms imply and insist on a certain authority and leadership role that has been divinely given to those who pastor the Lord’s churches; a role that needs to be recognized and respected by church members. But this authority has its limitations.