The Question of Authority in the Ministry

Abstract

"A probationer minister writing in New Society said that he believed he had 'not an authority which is earned, but an authority which is given. All the qualities and gifts are found in a minister, not a layman. Autocracy is the true exercise of leadership'. (New Society, January 7th, 1965.) This points to a growing concerna psychological point of view amongst us about the nature of authority, and in particular the authority of the minister. The article referred to sets forth something of the frustration of the ministry and the writer suggested a way out through the minister asserting his authority, claiming that as an ordained minister he has absolute supremacy over his people. The view seems to be that the minister has the right to tell his people what they must do and to assume that they will follow like sheep, he gives the directions and they will respond without question"