Authority in the Church

“For churches and their leaders who are looking for a concise, one-stop, clearly written, visually stimulating, and well-structured book that articulates and defends a good shepherd-governed, plurality of elders-led, deacon-served, congregational model of church leadership, this book is for you! Ben Merkle combines his wealth of scholarship on elders, deacons, and church authority with much practical counsel in this very helpful work.” –Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“While rejecting authoritarianism, Benjamin Merkle persuasively presents a case for the place of authority in the local church. Based on careful exegesis and theological reflection, Merkle concludes that the congregation has final authority, the elders have leadership authority, and deacons have delegated authority. The strength of Authority in the Church is found in its pedagogical brilliance, as each chapter offers teachable insights, connecting what has been previously presented with what will be found in the forthcoming chapters. Building on his previous work over the past two decades related to ecclesiology and church polity, Merkle’s work will be applicable for various contexts. Given the various ways that church governance and leadership issues have been dealt with over the past two thousand years, it is doubtful that everyone will agree with Merkle’s conclusions. Still, everyone will profit from and learn from this engaging work.” –David S. Dockery, president and distinguished professor of theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Ben Merkle has written numerous books on elders and deacons. His latest work, Authority in the Church, is, first of all, biblical, saturated with scriptural expositions throughout. This project is exceptionally clear. It highlights key ideas, provides helpful summaries throughout, and uses visual charts to illustrate its points. And the book is very practical, dealing with issues and questions church leaders and members regularly face. To help church leaders apply the teaching of the book, it closes with an appendix of questions by which church leaders may diagnose themselves.” –John Hammett, John L. Dagg Senior Professor of Systematic Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Having read Ben Merkle’s works for many years, I’ve come to expect biblical fidelity, theological clarity, and pastoral practicality with readable prose. Authority in the Church does not disappoint in any category. The book addresses the controversial subject of authority held by the congregation, elders, and deacons. To dispel confusion and conflict, Ben gives readers visual focus on the qualifications and roles in each realm of church life by clarifying the lanes and boundaries of authority in the church. As one regularly dealing with local church polity, I will be recommending church planters to first read this book before developing their polity. For those needing to revise their polity documents, read this book; then you’ll be far better informed to shape your church’s polity within biblical contours. For those wondering how to exercise each aspect of authority in the church, this book answers your questions.” –Phil A. Newton, visiting professor of pastoral theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Some instinctively push against authority as inherently abusive, but authority exercised by the right persons, in the right way, and in a way that is biblically faithful, leads to human flourishing. Merkle helps us see the biblical parameters of authority in this helpful and accessible book. He takes us on a tour of God’s authority, the authority of the congregation, and the authority of elders and deacons.” –Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“What I appreciate most about Benjamin Merkle’s book is its unmistakable clarity–specifically, biblical clarity–on deeply significant church issues that have long been clouded by confusion and unbiblical traditions. The book is exceptionally well organized, featuring charts, brief introductions, and summary conclusions for each chapter. Regardless of one’s stance on congregational church government, this book is packed with invaluable biblical insights for elders and deacons of any church.” –Alexander Strauch, speaker, teacher, and author

“Ben Merkle continues to be a leading voice in the much-needed renewal of concern about the structure and function of the church. This book is carefully argued, accessibly written, and faithfully edifying. I warmly commend it to pastors, students, and church members.” –Ray Van Neste, dean and professor of biblical studies, School of Theology and Missions, Union University

Benjamin L. Merkle

Benjamin L. Merkle holds a PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently the Dr. M. O. Owens Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies and serves as a professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.