“I am really uncomfortable with that wording. I see them as church leaders. Those that make decisions. Not those who “rule over me”. There have been some bad church leaders in every major religion. I’m glad I never saw them as “ruling over me”.”
Well, it’s biblical.
“7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. “ (Hebrews 13)
There are other passages as well. If we confess the Bible to be true, we must obey all of it, not just the parts we are comfortable with.
Regarding Hebrews 13:7 According to strongs, the phrase “those who rule over you” is two phrases in the greek lexicon.
The first phrase is #2233 and means
1) to lead
—a) to go before
—b) to be a leader
——1) to rule, command
——2) to have authority over
——3) a prince, of regal power, governor, viceroy, chief, leading as respects influence, controlling in counsel, overseers or leaders of the churches
——4) used of any kind of leader, chief, commander
——5) the leader in speech, chief, spokesman
2) to consider, deem, account, think
The second is #5216 and means “of yours”.
So I consider “rule over you” to be “the one in authority.” I like the words better and they have the meaning that more fits with Christ. There is nobody between me and christ, though if we are to have an organization of Christians AS Christians, it needs a hierarchical authority. Someone needs to carry out those responsibilities, even when it includes excommunication.
This is especially true within the context of Hebrews 13.