The Only Authority That Matters

Ten Years In

This fall marks ten years since we started Commons Church in Calgary. Back then, I had ideas about what this community might become, but I never could have imagined what it would actually grow into. Today, Commons is shaped by so many voices beyond my own. From the teaching team to our board, to those who serve and show up every week—Commons has become something more beautiful than I ever planned. And that, more than anything, is what I'm proud of.

What It Means to Be a Pastor

Pastoring, for me, isn't about directing a community or deciding what it's going to be. I don't think that kind of authority was ever God's intent for leadership. In fact, I think the idea that someone should demand allegiance to their ideas or their agenda because of a title or a degree or a platform is the opposite of what Christian leadership should be.

I’m not a fan of the influencer economy. But I do believe that influence—the kind that is earned, not demanded—is the only real authority that was ever intended in Christian community. Not just for pastors, but for all of us. We influence each other when we care for each other. We lead in our relationships by showing up, by listening, by learning.

Learning From Each Other

Over these years, I've been taught as much as I've taught. I've learned from Bobby, from Scott, from Yelena, from our board, from our people. And I’ve come to believe that any system—whether in church, in work, or in life—that tells you to listen because someone holds a title, or wrote the book, or claims to hear from God in a way that you don’t, is something to be wary of.

I have degrees. I've written books. But those things don’t entitle me to anyone’s unquestioning loyalty. The truth is, leadership that insists on obedience because of credentials or charisma or supposed divine insight is not just misguided—it's dangerous. That's the kind of leadership that takes your best and uses it for their gain.

Apparent vs. Actual Authority

There’s a difference between apparent authority and actual authority. Apparent authority is when someone demands respect because of a title or position. Actual authority? That’s earned. It’s built over time through trust and care. It’s never about control. It’s about the credibility that comes from consistently showing up for each other.

I don’t believe God ever wanted us to have kings ruling over us. The biblical story critiques that kind of power. Instead, God calls us to relationships built on mutual trust, where leadership emerges through service and love, not force or fear.

The Invitation of Jesus

Jesus doesn’t call us to find a monarch, or a guru, or even a pastor to lead us back to God. He calls us to follow the way of love, step by step. And while good leadership matters, while wise guides can help us on the journey, the presence of God is not mediated by someone else. It’s immediate. It breathes in every rise and fall of your chest.

So get up. Follow Jesus. Encourage those around you. Receive encouragement in return. Let’s lead each other home, one step at a time.

And remember—any leadership that asks for what rightly belongs to God should be left behind. Because real authority? The kind that matters? That’s earned in the way we love.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end. If you’re part of our community at Commons or just curious, consider subscribing, liking, or commenting to keep the conversation going. Join our Discord to be part of the dialogue. See you soon.