Holding Together: Why Authority Still Matters

Authority is arguably one of the most ambiguous and “essentially contested”(1) concepts in Christian leadership, and indeed, in human society at large. Nearly any claim about its meaning or application is likely to evoke both affirmation and critique. This is largely because authority is often associated with control, coercion, manipulation, and the pursuit of personal validation. Yet despite such associations, and to some extend because of them, authority remains indispensable. It plays a vital role in sustaining individual identity, social coherence, and spiritual integrity.(2)

Broadly speaking, authority can be defined as the legitimate or perceived right to influence, guide, or direct others.(3) While it may take the form of formal or institutional power (as seen in parents, teachers, pastors, or governments), authority often emerges informally through trust, moral clarity, wisdom, and relational presence. One may hold an official position without earning respect or influence, just as others may be granted deep respect and recognition without holding any title.(4)

Theologically, authority is not a human invention but a reflection of divine order.(5) Scripture affirms that “there is no authority except from God” (Rom. 13:1). Authority is a divinely instituted order that is inherently present in creation and essential for human overall existence and development.(6) From the very beginning, God entrusted humanity with dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28), establishing a structure in which responsibility and leadership are carried out through delegated authority. Scripture consistently affirms this principle across various relationships: servants are instructed to obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5), wives are called to respectfully listen to and submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22), and children are commanded to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). In the life of the Church, believers are encouraged to follow and honor their spiritual leaders, “for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). More broadly, all people are urged to submit to governing authorities, “for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). These biblical patterns do not promote domination but point to a vision of order, accountability, and respect, as prerequisite for sustainable growth and development.(7)

Authority is like a “chain” that holds the whole structure together. Without it, the pieces may still be there, but they do not function as a unified whole. Authority, in this sense, is like a chain that binds people together for a certain function. It offers coherence, order and links the group through shared values and respect. Yet, similarly to the chain, authority, on the one hand, should be strong enough to hold everything together, and on the other, remain flexible enough not to limit anyone to the extend of loosing one’s own true freedom or even identity. True authority is neither about dominating nor withdrawing. It is about holding the right tension between freedom and accountability; the right balance between individuality and unity. Its “links” are forged not through force but through integrity, trust, and mutual recognition. Without such links, groups may collapse into either chaos or apathy.

From a psychological standpoint, authority plays a central role in shaping identity and internal stability. During early development, caregivers function as the first authority figures, and their consistency or failure leaves lasting imprints.(8) Secure authority, which is characterized by reliability, guidance, and love, tends to build a child’s capacity for emotional regulation, impulse control, and moral decision-making. In contrast, abusive, inconsistent or absence of authority often creates patterns of mistrust, defiance, or passive submission.(9) Healthy authority is internalized and becomes a foundation for autonomy, responsibility, and social cooperation.(10) As humans people are “wired” to seek competent leadership, especially in times of uncertainty or conflict. This “prestige bias” leads people to follow those perceived as knowledgeable or capable.(11) Depth psychology further suggests that authority figures often symbolize internal archetypes, especially parental ones, that offer safety, order, and meaning.(12)

Sociologically, authority fulfills several indispensable functions. It provides order, coherence, and the means to uphold law, resolve conflict, and preserve shared values. Without recognized authority, social systems tend toward chaos, fragmentation, anarchy or authoritarianism.(13)

Furthermore, the emergence of authority is virtually inevitable in any human group, regardless of its size, culture, or stated values. Even in intentionally egalitarian or leaderless communities, informal hierarchies develop. Someone eventually takes initiative, offers direction, or becomes a reference point. Anthropological studies of tribal and communal societies show that certain individuals, such as elders, healers, or skilled contributors, inevitably accumulate influence, often based on experience or perceived wisdom.(14)

To conclude, authority, when rightly understood and practiced, is not about domination but about stewardship. It is not the assertion of control but the cultivation of trust. Whether in the family, society, or the church, authority is not a threat to freedom but its foundation. When exercised with wisdom, integrity, and relational depth, authority becomes a gift that nurtures growth, sustains order, and reflects the very heart of God’s design for human flourishing.

References:

1. Walter B. Gallie, “Essentially Contested Concepts”, Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, Vol. 56 (1956): 169, quoted in “Essentially contested concept,” Wikipedia, last modified July 8, 2025.
2. Stephen M. King, “Leadership for the Body of Christ: Developing a Conceptual Framework of Spiritual Leadership from 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9,” Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership 5, no. 1 (2013): 3.
3. Frank Bealey, The Blackwell Dictionary of Political Science: A User’s Guide to Its Terms, s.v. “Authority,” quoted in Britannica, accessed July 7, 2025.
4. “Informal leaders inspire and guide others without an official title by earning trust, demonstrating technical competence, and building meaningful relationships.” - Tony Gambill, “Lead Without A Title: The Power Of Informal Leadership,” Forbes, March 6, 2025.
5. “Divine Order and Authority,” Topical Bible: Divine Order and Authority, accessed July 9, 2025. https://biblehub.com/topical/d/divine_order_and_authority.htm
6. Hyun, KeumJu Jewel, Grace May, Philomena Mwaura, Julius Kithinji, KeumJu Jewel Hyun, Grace May, Philomena Mwaura, and Julius Kithinji. 2023. The Quest for Biblical Servant Leadership. [Edition unavailable]. Wipf and Stock. https://www.perlego.com/book/4173426.
7. “ What Are God Ordained Authority Structures?,” Institute in Basic Life Principles, accessed July 9, 2025. https://iblp.org/what-are-god-ordained-authority-structures/
8. Begus, Katarina; Gliga, Teodora; Southgate, Victoria (2014-10-07). "Infants Learn What They Want to Learn: Responding to Infant Pointing Leads to Superior Learning"
9. Bee, Helen; Boyd, Denise (March 2009). The Developing Child (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
10. Sharkey, Wendy (May 1997). "Erik Erikson". Muskingum University. https://web.archive.org/web/20121127075544/http:/www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/erikson.htm
11. Joseph Henrich and Francisco J. Gil-White, “The Evolution of Prestige: Freely Conferred Deference as a Mechanism for Enhancing the Benefits of Cultural Transmission,” Evolution and Human Behavior 22, no. 3 (2001): 165–96, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-5138(00)00071-4.
12. Jungian Confrerie, “The Father Archetype,” Jungian Confrerie, accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.jungian-confrerie.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/8209?opendocument=&part=23
13. “Power, Authority and Legitimacy,” MU IDOL Study Squad, accessed July 8, 2025. https://muidolstudysquad.com/power-authority-and-legitimacy
14. “All cultures have one element in common: they somehow exercise social control over their own members” - Paul McDowell, “All cultures have one element in common…”, in Political Anthropology, in Discovering Cultural Anthropology, ed. Nina Brown et al. (Santa Barbara, CA: CUNY, accessed July 7, 2025)