Authority in the Church: Exploring the Roles of the Congregation, Elders, and Deacons

by Benjamin L. Merkle

Genres: Ecclesiology

208 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Benjamin L. Merkle (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Conrad Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authority in the Church is a very helpful and biblically grounded look at the different spheres of authority in the local church. Merkle clearly explains the roles of the congregation, elders, and deacons, while showing how each fits together for the health of the church.

For anyone seeking biblical clarity on this important ecclesiological topic, this book is well worth your time—and careful consideration of its conclusions.