For a leader to exist there must be someone who needs leading. We, as the flock -- the congregation -- are given a clear call, even a command, to follow, support, and honor those who lead us. Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to obey and submit to our leaders, knowing that THEY will be held accountable for US (see also I Corinthians 16:15-16).

In submitting ourselves to our pastors and elders, we have no less than the example of Christ to follow.

The Greek word for obey is peitho which means to assent, to rely, to have confidence in, to obey, to trust. The word for submit, hupeiko, implies surrender or submission. In submitting ourselves to our pastors and elders, we have no less than the example of Christ to follow (Philippians 2:5-11). Philippians 2:25-30 affirms the instruction to honor those who sacrifice for the work of Christ. Whatever you believe about the decisions any individual pastor makes, there can be no doubt that he and his family make huge sacrifices to fulfill their call. We are to imitate their faith (see also I Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:7, I Peter 5:5).

handling disagreements

When a believer has a dispute with his or her leader or has concerns about the content of that leadership, (s)he MUST do so recognizing that the leader in question has that role because God allows it. Even when David (rightfully) challenged Saul, he treated him with respect as God’s anointed. When he had the opportunity to kill the man who was trying to kill him, David did not take it (I Samuel 24:1-6). Years later, Saul was wounded in battle and was, at his own request, killed by a servant. That servant came expectantly to David and proclaimed the news, bringing him Saul’s crown. Far from rewarding him, David had him executed for, as he had stated previously, “…who can stretch out his hand against the LORD'S anointed and be without guilt?” (I Samuel 26:9; see II Samuel 1:1-16 for the account). Paul, when he spoke sharply to Ananias, did so not knowing he was the high priest. When he was informed of this fact, he repented and affirmed that it was wrong to make vicious or defamatory statements about a ruler (Acts 23:1-5; quoting Exodus 22:28). In short, we are called to have an attitude of submission toward pastors and elders. When an issue of contention arises that must be addressed, it must be done with respect and kindness: “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers…” (I Timothy 5:1; see also Leviticus 19:32).