Authority in the pulpit 

Several years ago, some longtime family friends, along with our family were enjoying a leisurely walk through Rozar Park. It was an unseasonably pleasant summer day, so we were in no hurry. One of the kids noticed something stirring in a low-hanging tree branch. As we approached, we discovered it was a snake … a big long snake. The young playful sons of our friends were of course, fascinated with the snake. While standing there observing this creature warm itself in the summer sun, someone happened by and noticed us and the snake. He walked over to it and said, “ah, it’s just a water snake – they’re completely harmless.” Well, it might not come as a complete surprise to you to hear, that I did not walk over and pet that reptile on the head, just because some stranger (supposedly) discerned what species of snake it was. 

How do I know this guy knows what he is talking about? Maybe he is right, maybe the snake was non-venomous and harmless? Perhaps this random guy was like the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irvin, and an expert in all things animal and outdoors? Or maybe he was just someone who thought they knew a lot more than they actually knew. I wasn’t willing to risk my health, or the safety of children on someone else’s word. 

I begin my article this week for this reason… because week after week after week – this is exactly what far too many Christians do at church on Sundays. They take the counsel of someone standing behind a pulpit, who may or may not be an expert in all things Biblical and spiritual. In so doing, they are potentially endangering themselves and their families. Rather than doing like the ancient Bereans in Acts 17:11 who “… received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so,” these understandably naïve hearers take the word of another, who may or may not be teaching them the truth. Note if you will, those early Christians in this passage not only listened, but they then very carefully opened up God’s Word to make sure they were being taught the truth. They didn’t just “take his word for it.” Those wise ancient saints wanted to be certain what their families were hearing was God’s Word taught accurately and carefully. 

What is it that gives a preacher the authority to speak in God’s behalf? Is there some inherit authority with the position of pastor? Does becoming a preacher or announcing a “call to preach” give someone a unique hotline to heaven in which they can hear directly from God? Christian, by what authority does your preacher preach? What gives him the right to tell you how to live and what you must and must not do? 

Folks, just because someone claims a divine calling on their life doesn’t give them the right to speak spontaneously in God’s behalf. This person may in actuality, simply covet attention. They may be sincere, but sincerely wrong. 

If we take a Biblical approach, we must confess the only authority a preacher has is to rightly declare what God has said in His Word. Outside of that, neither I or any other preacher has any authority to tell others what to do. Just because someone is ordained, or standing behind a pulpit wearing a suit and tie – does not make them an authority. Although a preacher may be using your preferred Bible translation doesn’t mean they’re actually preaching the Bible. Even if someone has a large congregation, or has a pleasant voice or palatable presentation doesn’t mean you are being taught God’s Word. Just because someone says, “God put this message on my heart” or God spoke to me, or God gave me this vision – doesn’t mean they are speaking truth. 

My goal through this article is not to create sermon skeptics, cynical saints or untrusting church members. Instead, to exhort God’s people, to follow the godly example of those of Berea and verify the source of the things being promoted. It would serve every Christian well to listen to sermons with a teachable spirit, but also discerning mind.

Even if a preacher seems sincere and knowledgeable, if they are not showing you from the written page – this is what your Creator demands, they have no authority whatsoever. If a preacher is not accurately expounding what God has inspired men to write, they are no more of an authority than Dr. Phil or Oprah or some stranger in the park. 

The only authority a spiritual speaker has is to rightly make known what God has instructed us in the Scriptures. If any minister, regardless of their position or prominence, tries to mandate certain behaviors or promote specific doctrines that are not found in the Bible, they are absolutely wrong and should not be obeyed. In fact, they should be marked and avoided (Romans 16:17-18). While no preacher is perfect, I warn you against those men who aren’t content with the Bible, but always seem to have some “fresh word.” 

The Apostle Paul told Timothy to, “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2). The pastor/preacher has zero authority outside of God’s revealed will in His Word. Do not be led astray by someone who looks and sounds good, but is not good and sound. Find you a preacher that will carefully and systematically work through the pages of Holy Writ and make clear what God demands. The Bible is complete, God’s revelation is closed and the Scriptures are sufficient. 

As harsh as it may sound, a large portion of what passes for preaching in today’s average church is nothing short of ministerial malpractice. The problem, however, is that most every attendee (erroneously) thinks that only applies to someone else’s church! 

Readers, I urge you … I plead with you, don’t be apathetic or make assumptions. Instead, seize the responsibility of humbly determining whether the person with the spiritual watch-care over your soul (and your family), is doing their due diligence to rightly declare unto what “thus saith the Lord.” No more and no less.

If you are not a discerning listener, you might just find yourself listening to strange voices telling you it’s okay to handle deadly snakes!