A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church

What is authority, where does it come from, why is it needed, what are its limits, and who can have it? This book offers a theology of authority and power that challenges us to rethink our view of leadership in more Spirit-centered ways. Is authority reserved for those with a specific calling to leadership? Who holds power in the church? Does authority have limits? Are teaching and preaching the most important practices of authority?

Our understanding--and misunderstanding--of authority has significant implications for our individual and corporate flourishing. In A Theology of Authority, Christa McKirland challenges our assumptions about authority, power, and leadership. With a focus on low-church traditions, she examines authority through the lens of analytic philosophy and biblical theology to offer a theological definition of authority. She also tackles questions related to divine and human authority, Scripture, and practices typically related to ordination: preaching, teaching, serving communion, baptizing, church discipline, and vision casting.

A Theology of Authority expands our understanding of authority, recognizing the Spirit''s enablement of each member to fulfill their calling to spiritual maturity. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of authority and power and how we relate to one another as siblings in Christ.

• | Author: Christa L. McKirland
• | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• | Publication Date: Dec 09, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781540968166
• | ISBN-10: 1540968162