Ekklesia: Earned Authority
by Dr. Patti Amsden
by Dr. Patti Amsden
As has been previously discussed, authority arises from delegation and from placement. One with a higher level of authority may delegate the use of his name or his assets to another under set guidelines or restrictions. This is made clear in God’s third commandment, which is the directive to not use God’s name in vain. Man is not given limitless use of God’s name as though His name was man’s private property. God defines where and how His name may be used by those to whom He has delegated the right to operate in representative authority.
Placement also yields authorization. The president of a company holds a higher place in his company and therefore has more power than the supervisor. A mayor has permission for certain duties and activities in his own town yet he would not be authorized to exercise the same actions in any neighboring community. In the game of chess, the queen has broader parameters than the rook; while in cards, the designated trump or the ace outranks all other cards. Placement defines certification and legal application of power.
Both delegated authority and placement authority can grow or gain higher levels of power through fidelity and consistency. Persons who have a lot of responsibility are always looking for those to whom they can download some of the work. A wise leader delegates more management tasks to the person who has proven his faithfulness, invested his time to gain more knowledge, and worked extra hours to deliver a quality outcome. Promotions come to those who have merited the advancement.
Almost any worker employed in any kind of a job knows that he or he must earn the advancement. Even in spiritual matters, higher levels of authority can be earned. In I Timothy 3:1-7, Paul is instructing Timothy about setting elders into church leadership: “This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. A bishop must have a good reputation. . . He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. If a man doesn't know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him” (GW).
Paul’s admonition could be summarized by saying that a ruling leader in the church must earn that position. He might desire it, which is excellent; but he must prove his worthiness in other positions – like in his family or with his business associates – before being promoted. Authority can be and often is earned.
In considering the concept of ekklesia convocations, the called out assembly should be comprised – at least in part – of those who have earned authority, who have been proven in little and been made ruler over much (Luke 16:10), who have been faithful with a few talents and been rewarded with more (Mt. 25:14-29). David found courage to stand against the giant Goliath because he had previously defeated a lion and a bear (I Sam. 17:36-37). Past tests, past victories, and past lessons put every believer in a posture for promotion. Higher promotions means higher levels of authority. Increased anointing means increased power. Jesus told His impotent disciples who could not cast a dumb spirit out of a young boy, “This kind comes out by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Jesus’ followers were being admonished to earn a power promotion.
When an ekklesia is convened, the conveners and the constituents alike should consider the authority level available to accomplish the task. Always, kingdom citizens are needed, which are those who are part of the covenant community of the saints (Eph.2:19). Added to the citizenry are those with authority from their placement and from delegation. And last, but not least, saints with earned authority must add their portions to the tally of spiritual power.
Placement also yields authorization. The president of a company holds a higher place in his company and therefore has more power than the supervisor. A mayor has permission for certain duties and activities in his own town yet he would not be authorized to exercise the same actions in any neighboring community. In the game of chess, the queen has broader parameters than the rook; while in cards, the designated trump or the ace outranks all other cards. Placement defines certification and legal application of power.
Both delegated authority and placement authority can grow or gain higher levels of power through fidelity and consistency. Persons who have a lot of responsibility are always looking for those to whom they can download some of the work. A wise leader delegates more management tasks to the person who has proven his faithfulness, invested his time to gain more knowledge, and worked extra hours to deliver a quality outcome. Promotions come to those who have merited the advancement.
Almost any worker employed in any kind of a job knows that he or he must earn the advancement. Even in spiritual matters, higher levels of authority can be earned. In I Timothy 3:1-7, Paul is instructing Timothy about setting elders into church leadership: “This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. A bishop must have a good reputation. . . He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. If a man doesn't know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him” (GW).
Paul’s admonition could be summarized by saying that a ruling leader in the church must earn that position. He might desire it, which is excellent; but he must prove his worthiness in other positions – like in his family or with his business associates – before being promoted. Authority can be and often is earned.
In considering the concept of ekklesia convocations, the called out assembly should be comprised – at least in part – of those who have earned authority, who have been proven in little and been made ruler over much (Luke 16:10), who have been faithful with a few talents and been rewarded with more (Mt. 25:14-29). David found courage to stand against the giant Goliath because he had previously defeated a lion and a bear (I Sam. 17:36-37). Past tests, past victories, and past lessons put every believer in a posture for promotion. Higher promotions means higher levels of authority. Increased anointing means increased power. Jesus told His impotent disciples who could not cast a dumb spirit out of a young boy, “This kind comes out by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Jesus’ followers were being admonished to earn a power promotion.
When an ekklesia is convened, the conveners and the constituents alike should consider the authority level available to accomplish the task. Always, kingdom citizens are needed, which are those who are part of the covenant community of the saints (Eph.2:19). Added to the citizenry are those with authority from their placement and from delegation. And last, but not least, saints with earned authority must add their portions to the tally of spiritual power.
