What does the Bible say about submission in the church?

The Bible teaches that submission is not a passive act, but a demonstration of trust in God’s authority and provision. As seen in 1 Peter 5:5, the call to submission involves a posture of humility, emphasizing that those who are younger should submit to the elders, while all are encouraged to clothe themselves with humility toward one another. This kind of submission fosters spiritual growth and acknowledges the importance of leadership that mirrors Christ’s servanthood rather than power. Leadership is meant to be a guiding example to follow, not merely an authoritative directive to obey.