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You have asked a good question that doesn't come up very often. The Bible has a lot to say about how authoirty should be administered, but it also has much to say about how it should be responded to. We offer three passages that deal with how an individual should respond to pastoral authority. Hebrews 13:17 says, 'Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.' 1 Timothy 5:17 says, 'Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.' And 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, 'And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.'
In balance to these three passages, we recommend you to read our article titled 'The Limits of Pastoral Authority' found in the Apostolic Free Library on Shelf 4. Leadership and Authority.
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