Why is understanding authority in the church important for Christians?

In the church, authority is rooted in the teachings of scripture and the example of Christ. The rejection of authority, as demonstrated by Diotrephes, leads to chaos and division within the body of Christ. Biblical authority is designed for the protection and guidance of the congregation, as seen in Ephesians 4:11-12, where God appoints leaders to equip the saints for ministry. Furthermore, adhering to apostolic teachings preserves the integrity of the gospel and promotes unity among believers. Without a proper understanding of authority, a church can deviate from its mission to glorify God and may fall prey to self-serving leaders who seek to elevate themselves rather than Christ.