Church Authority | ACBC Exam Question #22

 What authority if any, does the church have over individuals and the counseling process?

            The church is under the authority of Christ; “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18).  And the church’s function is to be “… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15)                              

             Because Christ is not physically present on planet Earth right now to consult in Person, we use His Word, the Bible to find His will, instructions and plan for the church, His people.  “…and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17.  The Bible instructs churches to choose leadership, pastors and elders (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9) who are of godly character, and then we are to; “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17). 

              “God has given (1) the ordained teaching and ruling officers (2) the task of changing people’s lives (3) through the authoritative ministry of the Word (II Tim. 3:15-17).  When that authority is exercised properly (biblically), Christ promises to be “in the midst” giving encouragement, furnishing wisdom and providing strength (cf. Matt. 18:15-20).  Both exousia (externally conferred authority) and dunamis (internal ministering the Word).  The exousia authorized them to command respect and obedience (I Thess. 5:13; Heb. 13:17); the second empowers them to carry on their work (II Tim 1:7).”¹

             Believers ought to submit to the authority God has given to the church willingly; and use the rich resource and teaching of their local church, welcoming the wisdom of God’s Word in their lives, including one on one counsel as needed.  Unfortunately many believers trapped in sin turn away from the church, refuse counsel, and don’t welcome the help they desperately need.  The church cannot force any believer to repent, change or receive counsel, but we ought to be doing all we can.  “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  (Matthew 18:15-20)

¹ Jay Adams,  A Theology of Christian Counseling, Page 278