Where Religion Went Wrong - 6 - False Authority of Another Kind

In addition to the false “authorites” that are sometimes held over scripture, we should also consider the false teachings and false structures of authority in some churches.

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

 –Matthew 23:8-12 

This passage, the words of Messiah Himself, tells us at least 3 things:

1. We are not to set up for ourselves titles/positions of stature.

2. We are all brethren with Messiah as our headship.

3. Leaders are to be servants of the people.

In many churches and denominations today, leaders are said to have “authority” or we are under their “headship”. In these churches, often times, this leadership exercises this authority over their congregations in unbiblical ways. It is as if there is a new structure – believer, church leadership, and then Messiah. In congregations where this is practiced, many times believers are shamed for not serving their pastors, prophets, etc. enough or for not giving them enough. Instead of leadership serving the people, the people come to serve the leadership. Those in certain positions become superstars and are often unavailable to the majority of their members.

Some are even told that anything the Father has to say to them will come through the church leaders. Many are not free to follow what the Father has placed in their hearts to do without leadership’s permission and regulation. Entire “governments” are set up, and people are the ones running the show. Often, the Bible and the Holy Spirit seem entirely absent.

But when the Bible tells us of leadership, it tells us of serving. Even Messiah Himself served us rather than asking us to serve Him.

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’.” 

– Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV) 

If Messiah served, and if no one can be greater than his master (John 13:16), how can we not serve one another? And how can those among us who are considered to be more mature spiritually not be better servants?

We should remember that when the Father promised us pastors, he promised they would be shepherds after His own heart (Jeremiah 3:15). I am not saying that pastors, deacons, etc. are not necessary in a group large enough to need that level of organization; but when the biblical example of servant leadership is replaced by the gentile system of “exercising authority”, we have a problem.

It is important for us, as believers, to know that the Bible places our spiritual responsibility on our own shoulders. We are told to seek YHWH, but never to seek Him through another “leader”. We are told to follow Messiah, not another “leader”. We are told to work out our own salvation “with fear and trembling” because the Father Himself works in us. (Philippians 2:12) In spite of some claims made by these leaders, our eternal souls are not in their hands! It is up to us to take spiritual responsibility for ourselves and not allow ourselves to be deceived away from the headship of our Messiah.

We will all have teachers and spiritual guidance from trusted mentors in this life. That is a necessary part of spiritual growth. However, we should beware of anyone who attempts to place themselves in an unbiblical position OVER us. Leaders are to serve. The best of them will come alongside you. The worst of them will step over you, between you and your Messiah and Father.