Thanks, Going Clear. Was this from an article or you own thoughts (only because you reference an article toward the end)?
Your reference to the original language is very important. None of the writers of GCLI materials attended seminary or studied biblical languages in depth. You can't just look up the definition of a word without greater knowledge and create an entire theology around it. This is what Bovenmeyer writes in "God Honoring Authority":
http://ae32b6f7a6ad6f5ae1f0-a966d7fcbad4fbcd7d1dccf3fbabbb92.r98.cf2.rackcdn.com/uploaded/g/0e4793197_1490123351_gcli-2017-b1-s2-9-god-honoring-authority.pdf (page numbers as referenced on document)
"Authority, as expressed by the Greek word exousia, denotes “the right or power to rule and command
another…the right to exercise power…or the power of rule or government…the power of one whose
will and commands must be obeyed by others.” p 286
THE RIGHT OR POWER TO RULE AND COMMAND ANOTHER That is what GCC pastors think they have. Cool, huh?
Side note: it looks like here Bovenmeyer is advocating the belief of eternal subordination of the Son. I am surprised only because I was not taught this in my GCC church. "Furthermore, this Father-Son relationship, with its love, leadership, and submission, is not a temporary characteristic of the Trinity during the time of Christ’s humiliation and suffering but will continue throughout all eternity." Also here: "Rather, [authority and submission] were present before the fall of man, both in the first marriage and in the Triune God Himself." p 288
These are other quotes from the document that support pastoral control. It proposes that relationships in general are subject to a pattern of submission/obedience by God's design. I didn't go through the whole document because I can only stomach so much.
"Disobedience to an authority should be limited to situations in which the authority
is requiring something that is in disobedience to a command of God.
In everything
else, authorities ought to be obeyed, even when obedience may seem unwise,
a waste of money and effort, or threatening to our desires, hopes, and dreams. " (p 302)
"Secondly, and perhaps more fundamentally, authority and submission seem to be part
of
God’s pattern for relationship. In His nature and plan, the greatest
possible love seems to be expressed as one person sacrifices himself
to take responsibility for another’s welfare (loving, leading, directing,
protecting, bringing to good) and a second person sacrifices himself
to unite with the purpose of another (respecting, following, submitting).
When these are practiced according to God’s plan, God’s good
purposes are accomplished and love and relationship are enhanced." p 289
"All in positions
of authority are to use their position of strength and power to love and
care for those they lead.
Because authority comes with the right to direct and
perhaps even use force, God is particularly angry
with those who use their authority to exploit others or selfishly benefit themselves." p 289 It looks like we agree on what makes God angry, David Bovenmeyer.
"In His contrast,
Jesus does not negate authority in the kingdom,
nor does
He lessen the power or diminish the position of those in authority. " p 290
"And
those under authority must not rebel against or remove themselves
from human authority, or they will lose a major means of God’s protection,
becoming vulnerable to the devil’s schemes" p 291
"Finally, there are times when church leaders should use their authority
without flinching and should
let no one disregard them." p 307
BUT, it's okay everyone because: "Within the church, pastors should not exalt themselves above those
they lead, but must place themselves on a level of equality" p 295 So they can bust out their authority at a moment's notice unflinchingly and without being disregarded, but they're "equal." Mmm...I don't think that means what you think it means, David Bovenmeyer
A final thought that caught my eye in regards to ECC's current situation. With this kind of belief, you can see how many feel the need to protect their leaders above all. By protecting their leaders, they are keeping themselves safe. And they protect their leaders as thanks for putting themselves in the position to be "attacked by enemies."
"The Biblical often uses the analogy of a shepherd in regard to both civil and religious leaders. Since
sheep without a shepherd are entirely helpless against predators, this analogy emphasizes the need for
leaders to protect those they lead. Often, a group’s enemies will target its leaders for this very reason,
knowing that if the leaders are neutralized, followers are vulnerable and defenseless.
“…Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little
ones” (Zechariah 13:7).
“But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the
strong man, and then he will plunder his house” (Mark 3:27).
The enemy of our souls targets leaders, seeking to make them fall or to undermine their authority so
that he can destroy the “little ones.” How many churches have been decimated by immorality in the
church’s leadership?" p 290
I think without THE GOOD SHEPHERD we are helpless, not without pastors. This is not to say pastors shouldn't have a protective role in their church; they should, as should all mature believers. But sentiments like these undermine the power of Christ in the lives of all believers and puts pastors in the savior/hero position.