A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church

by Christa L. McKirland

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 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 fulfil 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.

Genres: Ecclesiology, Theology, Academic

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Paul Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church is a gift to the church. It skillfully demonstrates that understanding with precision what authority is, who gets to use it, how and where it is sourced, and why identifying our assumptions about it are vital for a church growing into Christ's likeness. The challenge to leadership this book brings is long overdue and profoundly needed. It was Aristotle's metaphysics of change that taught me 'nothing grows that has not first changed; change is the essence of growth'. Likewise, genuine change is what is required for a flourishing Christian community. Especially in so many churches in America where authority is often abused (at worst) or sorely misunderstood (at least), McKirland's book sheds substantial light and provides numerous practical and important insights, all of which are thoroughly grounded in Scripture and reason. To be sure, not everyone will agree with everything written, but thoughtful readers will find her arguments revealing and compelling. Those who engage will emerge not only enlightened and empowered, but also equipped to lead as Christ leads and love as Christ loves. Buy it. Read it. Live it. Pass it on!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. McKirland has done a masterful job defining and demonstrating the vernacular of "power" and "authority" along with their substructures. She builds biblical "bricks" as a way to confine what legitimate and illegitimate use of power and authority are.
I highly recommend this book to every pastor, priest, deacon, lay leader, and congregant. Once we understand what our roles are we will be able to better subsume them. After reading this book, you will also have a better understanding of what love is and what salvation is.
The gospel message is illuminated with this proper understanding of what Divine authority is.
If you are a Christian, you need to read this book.

[Carmen Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are church leaders supposed to exercise authority? Yes and no. Pairing methodological clarity with practical implications, McKirland disentangles various types of authority to discern how, when, and by whom the exercise of authority is legitimate according to the Scriptures. This book is a gift to the church today, offering a sure foundation for discussions of ministry roles and responsibilities that will move the tired conversation forward to ensure that our churches--and all their members--can flourish.

I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to read this book early!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps a hurting church understand the difference between heathy leadership and power over one another! It is a breath of fresh air to read how a church family can love and encourage one another, giving power TO each other, not lording power OVER each other.