Pastoral Traps: Authoritarianism
By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Not long ago I put together a short list of some of the unique traps that accompany the role of the pastor.
Topping my list is the trap of authoritarianism. It’s easy for the pastor to become authoritarian. What does that look like?
- The minister needlessly represses the freedom of God’s people.
- He becomes inflexible and dictatorial, tyrannical and oppressive.
- He bullies people with threats.
- He lacks a servant’s heart.
- He himself is not teachable.
- His arrogance has replaced humility.
If these characteristics describe a pastor, then he has become an authoritarian. He needs reproof . . . even if he is the pastor.
Tell just a few who are close to you, perhaps a trusted colleague—even your wife, if you have the courage!—to let you know if you start to drift into authoritarianism. It’s not the same as leadership. It is leadership gone wild. Put bluntly, it is sin.
Remember Jesus’ words to His twelve men when they were haggling over who should be first in importance: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served . . .” (Mark 10:45).
You remember the rest.
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About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
