Bill Jackson
We’d not heard that expression, in the way many are using it, until these last several years. We have seen the expression catch on, and cannot help but notice that it has caught on at the time when many are challenging the Bible truth concerning elders’ authority! Could there be a connection? We think so.
Elders have authority resident in their work, their office. They are charged with the watch-care of souls (Heb. 13:17), with feeding the flock, guarding, protecting, etc. When it comes to the preacher, or evangelist, we do not read of his office, position in a congregation, etc. We do read of “authority” in connection with his work, but notice that the emphasis is on “what he speaks.” “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Tit. 2:15). The authority is, for the preacher, in the message!
Every preacher worthy of the designation “preacher of the Gospel” recognizes, appreciates and values this, and wants it no other way. Every faithful preacher also recognizes, appreciates and teaches the authority of elders!
