Question
What are some solid scriptures on authority and protocol in the church? I was told that no brother can correct a deacon;no deacon can correct ministers; no ministers can correct elders;no one can correct the pastor nor his wife.
Answer
This could not be further from the truth. There is a misconception here about God’s authority and the roles of those in a local church who serve as elders, deacons and preachers. Following the line of “reasoning” expressed in your question would and has resulted in false teaching that can affect not only a local church but even many congregations. The most glaring and notable example of this is the Roman Catholic church.
The Scriptures teach that we should submit to the authority of Jesus and the apostles expressed in the written word. Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 2:42. And, those who serve as preachers, deacons and elders are to follow that word in their service to the Lord. In fact, the Word sets for the the qualifications for these men who would serve. For elders, look at 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1. These passages also speak of deacons. Then, for preachers, the books of First and Second Timothy, along with the book of Titus, set forth qualifications that should be displayed in their service.
Then finally,. the crucial part of the question about whether we can correct those men who serve in these positions. The answer is, an emphatic “yes”! See Gal. 1:6-9, 2:11-14, Acts 20:28-32, 1 Tim. 5:17-22 Matt. 18:15-17. Although we should obey those who serve as elders, we should not submit to them, if they violate the Word of God. Heb. 13:17, Acts 5:27-32.
As a further safeguard, these elders are to watch over a local church only and not a group of churches or some district of churches. Acts 14:23, 1 Pet. 5:1-4.
If you are entangled in a church where loving correction is not encouraged, I would encourage you, and anyone else in this situation, to leave such a group. Not only your soul is in danger, but the souls of those who lead and follow the false teachers are in danger.
By Gary Hunt
