Church Traditions & Regulations vs. What the Bible Actually Says

Janetta Allis

The problem is not tradition itself.
The problem is when tradition replaces truth, and regulations exceed Scripture.

Jesus addressed this directly.

“You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”
— Mark 7:9

Let’s look at the difference plainly.

Church Traditions & Regulations

Church traditions and regulations are man-made systems created to organize, preserve culture, or maintain order. Some are helpful. Many are neutral. Others become harmful when they are treated as equal to—or greater than—Scripture.

They often sound like:

  • “This is how we’ve always done it.”
  • “Our covering requires this.”
  • “Leadership must approve.”
  • “That’s not our house culture.”
  • “Submission means obedience to leadership.”

When Traditions Become Unbiblical

  • Traditions cross into error when they:
  • They are enforced rather than suggested.
  • Produce fear instead of faith.
  • Require obedience where Scripture does not.
  • Silence discernment
  • Control personal decisions; God never delegated.

Jesus warned about this exact issue:

“Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition.”
— Matthew 15:6

What the Bible Actually Says

1. Christ Alone Is Head of the Church

No pastor, bishop, or apostle replaces Christ’s authority.

“Christ is the head of the church.”
— Ephesians 5:23

Leadership is under Christ, not beside Him.

2. Pastors Shepherd—They Do Not Rule Lives

Biblical shepherding is spiritual care, not personal governance.

“Feed the flock of God… not lording it over those entrusted to you.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3

Pastors feed, guide, protect, and equip—they do not control careers, moves, marriages, or personal decisions.

3. The Holy Spirit leads Believers.

Every believer has direct access to God.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.”
— Romans 8:14

When people are taught they cannot hear God without leadership approval, spiritual maturity is undermined.

4. Counsel Is Biblical—Control Is Not

The Bible supports wise counsel, not coercion.

“In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
— Proverbs 11:14

Counsel advises.
Control commands.

5. Obedience to God Comes Before Obedience to Man

No leader’s instruction overrides God’s Word.

“We must obey God rather than men.”
— Acts 5:29

Submission never requires disobedience to God or violation of conscience.

6. Freedom Is a Gospel Marker

If something consistently produces bondage, fear, or anxiety, it is not from God.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:17

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.”
— Galatians 5:1

The Core Difference

Traditions & Regulations say:

“This is required to belong.”

The Bible says:

“This is truth that sets you free.”

Traditions say:

“You need permission.”

The Bible says:

“You have access.”

Traditions say:

“Obey leadership.”

The Bible says:

“Follow Christ.”

Jesus’ Final Warning

Jesus reserved His strongest rebukes not for sinners, but for religious systems that burdened people.

“They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders.”
— Matthew 23:4

A Simple Test

Ask yourself:

  • Is this explicitly taught in Scripture?
  • Does this draw me closer to Christ—or dependent on man?
  • Does this produce freedom—or fear?

If it cannot pass the test of Scripture, it does not have authority over your life.