Submission to church leadership

inquiry

Submission to Church Leadership
What is the definition of submission in the biblical context
and what is submission to church leadership? Does that include 
blind submission in the event where we disagree with them?
Also, could you supply me with links to websites or articles 
pertaining to the subject above?

first response

Submission in the biblical context must be referenced by "speaking 
the truth in love", which applies to all relationships.  And speaking 
the truth in love begins with our submission to the Lordship of 
Christ.  Only His Spirit can discern and apply what is true, and His 
Love is the only adequate motivation.

I suggest a careful consideration of Galatians 5:19-6:1-5.  It is 
possible to be consumed with our own self-interest when evaluating 
others, so that we need  biblical criteria by which to decide whether 
we actually have a valid case to present to them.
Gal. 5:19-25 lists specific "acts of the sinful nature" from which we 
all need to "be restored".
Gal. 6:1-5 makes clear we need first to evaluate our own hearts, 
confessing any sins of the flesh.
Then we need to further "keep in step with the Spirit", allowing Him 
to produce in us the fruit listed in 5:22,23.  I believe that is the 
qualification referred to as "you who are spiritual" (6:1)
This equips us with humility and compassion, and reminds us of our 
mutual need to "live by the Spirit", so that we may be true 
burden-bearers, honest "brokers" of truth and Love.

If we follow these steps, we will be experiencing redemptive submission.
I pray that will be your experience, Evelyn.  You will no doubt hear 
from others on our team, who will undoubtedly be more helpful.

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of 
a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." (Hab. 3:19)

Joy and grace for your journey,

second response

The "church" in the New Testament was a fellowship of believers led by
"Elders".  These were men meeting qualifications of godly behavior
described in I Tim 3:1-7, I Peter 5:1-4, Titus 1:5-9.  They were not
"hired" officials such as in government or a club.  They were
servants, not "rulers".  Christ set the example of being a servant one
could easily submit to and trust.  Unfortunately through the years the
christian movement became political and a profession. Official titles
were given.  If you are fortunate to be in a fellowship with mature
biblical leaders it should be easy to follow their leadership.  They
will be your servant, not your ruler.  There also comes a point for
any believer to "obey God and not man" if someone is asking for
obedience contrary to clear biblical principals.  The Christian
fellowship is not a Levitical system with a priesthood.   We submit to
one another, children submit to parents, slaves submit to masters, we
submit to government, wives submit to husbands.  All of this is in
context to following Christ and being a servant to one another and not
rebelling against government.  You do need wisdom and awareness of
biblical principals to avoid blind obedience as you stated.  I wish
you well.