Introduction

In the life of the Church, tensions sometimes arise when lay members perceive doctrinal error or pastoral missteps in the preaching or teaching of ordained ministers. The issue becomes sharper when a minister—especially one on salary—expresses resistance to correction from members, even when the concern is raised in a biblically faithful manner. This paper explores the practical biblicist concerns of addressing such matters, focusing on the duty of the believer, the risks to fellowship, and the right posture for correcting spiritual authority.

I. The Biblical Mandate for Mutual Accountability

A. The Priesthood of All Believers

Scripture affirms that all believers are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9). Authority in Christ is not monopolized by clergy, but distributed among the people of God. Members thus carry responsibility to guard the faith once delivered (Jude 3).

B. The Obligation to Confront Error

Paul instructs Timothy to “preach the word … reprove, rebuke, exhort” (2 Tim. 4:2), and also commands all believers to admonish one another (Col. 3:16). Silence in the face of false teaching or doctrinal denial risks complicity.

C. Matthew 18 as Governing Framework

Christ’s teaching in Matthew 18:15–17 requires going first to the brother privately, then involving others if needed. This principle applies without exemption to clergy, since authority derives from service, not immunity.

II. The Practical Concerns of Lay Confrontation

A. Power Imbalance in Paid Ministry

Ministers often occupy structural positions of authority reinforced by salary, pulpit access, and Council backing. Members may fear reprisal, marginalization, or accusations of “rebellion against authority.”

B. The Risk of Hardening

A resistant minister may double down rather than receive correction. When financial support and institutional status are tied to doctrinal positions, the stakes of admitting error increase.

C. The Spiritual Burden on Members

Members called to confront error may wrestle with fear, intimidation, or guilt, especially if leadership frames correction as disloyalty. Biblically, however, faithfulness to Christ must outweigh loyalty to hierarchy (Acts 5:29).

III. Theological and Pastoral Implications

A. Doctrinal Integrity as Non-Negotiable

To deny scriptural realities such as the wedding supper or sea of glass is not a neutral interpretive choice but an undermining of hope, imagery, and eschatology. Such teaching touches the very encouragement of the saints (1 Thess. 4:13–18).

B. The Example of the Bereans

Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for testing Paul’s teaching by Scripture. If apostles welcomed scrutiny, paid ministers should too. Resistance reveals a dangerous pride.

C. Guarding Against Clericalism

When ministers demand exemption from lay correction, they drift into clericalism—the very error of setting up an unbiblical spiritual caste. The body of Christ is harmed when “lordship over the flock” replaces shepherding (1 Pet. 5:2–3).

IV. Practical Biblicist Strategies for Members

A. Preparing the Ground

Prayer – for humility in both parties. Scriptural grounding – gather relevant passages with clarity. Right spirit – correction must be seasoned with gentleness (Gal. 6:1).

B. Private Confrontation

Speak face-to-face, not behind backs. Ask clarifying questions before charging error. Emphasize concern for the flock, not personal grievance.

C. Collective Confirmation

If the minister resists, follow Matthew 18 by involving two or three witnesses. Collective concern demonstrates that the issue is not individual nitpicking but shared discernment.

D. Appeal to Higher Authority

When the Council of Elders or similar body is cited as a shield, members may submit concerns in writing, rooted in Scripture, thereby leaving a record. Yet appeals should avoid personal attacks and remain doctrinal in tone.

V. Managing Resistance from the Minister

A. Recognizing Defensive Reflexes

Paid ministers may feel their authority or livelihood threatened. Members must distinguish between human defensiveness and outright rejection of truth.

B. Setting Boundaries

If correction is consistently rebuffed, members must consider:

whether to remain under that ministry, how to protect weaker brethren from discouragement, how to uphold truth without bitterness.

C. Leaving Judgment to Christ

Paul warns against despising God’s servants (Rom. 14:4). Members’ duty is faithful witness; Christ is Judge. Persistence in correction beyond biblical bounds can slip into personal crusade.

VI. Conclusion

Approaching a resistant minister is one of the most delicate challenges a lay member may face. Biblically, the duty to preserve truth applies equally to all members of Christ’s body. Practically, it requires courage, humility, and fidelity to Scripture. The balance is found not in silence or rebellion, but in obediently applying Matthew 18, Berean testing, and pastoral concern—leaving the outcome in God’s hands.

Recommendations

Teach mutual accountability in congregations, reminding ministers that they too are subject to correction. Train members in biblically grounded approaches for addressing doctrinal concerns. Encourage councils and governing bodies to avoid insulating ministers from legitimate lay instruction. Promote a culture of humility where authority is exercised in service, not as entitlement.