There are two verbs. The first is that the people in the church must obey the leaders. The leaders have authority from God. People can misuse authority, also in the church. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at what it means to obey. The Greek word means that you are persuaded to do something. And that is important to know to truly understand what the authority of the leader is. It is the authority of the Word of God. When they can persuade you that God says it in his Word, you must obey “and submit to them.” That is the second verb, the second order. It is a choice. It is not forced by power, but it is a choice of your faith. Every real Christian accepts (with love) the authority of the Word of God and will submit to the leaders when they speak the Word of God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.