How should leaders use their authority?

Luke 22:25-26Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, . . . But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.”

Philippians 2:3-7Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

Leaders should use their authority to serve others. Leadership is for the purpose of service.

Matthew 8:8-10The officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!”

The Roman centurion displayed humility and faith in his understanding of authority. He knew both the power and the limitations of his authority. He did not presume that because he held a position of authority in the military that he could order Jesus around. He humbled himself for the sake of helping his own servant. This kind of leadership will succeed because it does not coerce compliance but instead wins commitment.

Matthew 18:15-17“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.”

1 Corinthians 5:1-3I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship. Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man.

1 Corinthians 6:1-2, 5When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? . . . I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?

2 Corinthians 2:5-8I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.

James 5:19-20If someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Leaders in the church are responsible to discipline their members. This discipline should not come out of pride that looks down on others but out of humility that respects God’s standards. Leaders should use their authority to hold their flock accountable. Without this, the church will become lax and corrupt—and the salt of the earth loses its saltiness (Matthew 5:13).