Pastoral Authority

One of the battle grounds in Baptist life over the past 30 years has been this business of "pastoral authority." My Catholic priest friend never quite understood the Baptist pastor and the authority he does not have. But, I have to give him a break because lots of Baptist pastors don't understand Baptist pastoral authority.

In Baptist life, "Pastor" is an paradoxically empty title full of expectations and responsibility but empty of any real authority. My Catholic priest friend scratched his head over this. Authority comes in the trenches of life as a pastor shows up and his presence helps the family or person in crisis. That person or family becomes open to the new pastor and his role as leader of the church. He develops credibility with them, love from them, and authority with them.

It is the one position of which I know that presumes the pastor is stupid and inexperienced even though he has degrees out the wazoo and comes with years of experience. The fact is that he is new here! He is unfamiliar to us, and we know the real Biblical authority is the preacher we listen to on the television or the author of the latest book we have read.

Pastoral authority is really like cotton candy. It appears to have substance until you taste it and it disappears on your tongue. The more you crave it, the more it disappears. In fact, the disciples represent the perception of pastoral authority. It is something to be coveted, fought over and ultimately passed down like one would a well worn coat.

Jesus knew better. In fact, each day of his earthly ministry the empty/full dimension of pastoral authority played out. The religious leaders were always questioning His authority, His miracles, His teachings. Jesus tried to steer them to the notion of humble service. In the local church, humble service opens the door to pastoral authority. It is not conveyed or bestowed. U have shared with my field work supervision students again and again. Authority is rooted in one's call to ministry, but it is confirmed by the congregation into which one pours ones life in service. It is not given by vote or action of the church. It is given over time as one proves himself or herself worthy.

It may not make sense but it is reality. And the wiser a young pastor is as he moves into a new church, the more he will determine to let authority come to him as he works the work of pastor. And come it does, if one stays long enough. The less sought the more given. The better it is used, the more is bestowed.