Logos and Leadership: How Inerrancy Impacts a Pastor's Authority

Abstract

ABSTRACT

LOGOS AND LEADERSHIP: HOW INERRANCY

IMPACTS A PASTOR’S AUTHORITY

Michael Todd Rader, D.Min.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Hershael W. York

This thesis examines the connection of biblical inerrancy to pastoral leadership. Chapter 1 touches on various challenges to pastoral confidence and examines the literature on subjects such as inerrancy, preaching, and pastoral ministries. A literary void detailing the impact of inerrancy on pastoral leadership exists. The doctrine of inerrancy emboldens the pastor to lead with authority in the local church.

Chapter 2 examines the connection of God’s Word to spiritual leadership in both the Old and New Testaments. The call to lead God’s people is always tethered to his revealed Word. Today’s pastors should, therefore, have a settled conviction regarding the trustworthiness of Scripture. A brief definition and defense of inerrancy is given.

Chapter 3 looks at the impact of inerrancy on the preaching ministry. Inerrancy affects one’s definition, theology, and methodology of preaching. Inerrancy emboldens the pastor to preach God’s Word with authority.

Chapter 4 details inerrancy’s effect on pastoral ministries such as counseling, church discipline, and comforting. The Bible provides a trustworthy and authoritative guide for dealing with these personal matters in the church. The doctrine of inerrancy emboldens the pastor to perform such pastoral ministries.

Chapter 5 examines how pastors holding to inerrancy impact the church in general. Churches would be healthier and more appealing to the unchurched if pastors would lead under the umbrella of inerrancy. Doctrinal beliefs have practical effects.