The Association of Grace Baptist Churches (South East) has hosted a half-day conference entitled ‘Authority in the Local Church’ in London. Jonathan Leeman, President of 9Marks, taught two sessions on the subjects of ‘Congregational Authority in the Local Church’ and ‘Elders’ Authority in the Local Church.’
Taking congregationalism as his starting point, Leeman demonstrated that the Biblical pattern of church planting sees the congregation come first, and elder leadership come later. The pattern for polity in the book of Acts was for Paul and Barnabas to first plant a church and to appoint elders at a later stage. In line with historic Baptist teaching on the theme, Leeman identified the congregation as primary in God’s gathering of a people. The congregation carries responsibility to protect the gospel, affirm gospel citizens through baptism and membership, disciple fellow members, and evangelise non-Christians. Biblical elders have the authority to teach and equip members for these key activities, helping and instructing them towards maturity of faith and ministry.
The second session skilfully delineated the nature of eldership authority, providing clarity on the fact that elders cannot command but can counsel. This means that elder ministry cannot be dictatorial in its exercise of authority, but should be patient towards the congregation. Elders are called to be present among God’s people, forgiving of their faults, and their ministry is to be based on the strength that can only come from abiding confidence in God. The authority carried by elders is to teach, to direct the affairs of the church, and to lead members towards Christlikeness. Eldership requires a nuanced understanding of what carries moral weight in the life of the church. It should be realised in an environment where Christian freedom of conscience is non-negotiable.
