from what i can tell, a ‘pastor centered’ church, i.e. protestant (in all its hundreds of denominations) all rely on the bible and the pastor who is ‘calling the signals’.
the congregants rely on that pastor, and his/her interpretation of whetever verse(s) tickles their fancy that day......
that can only lead to it being pastor centered.....there is nothing else left.....
there is nothing else left.....
Just our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He’s really all that is needed.
The congregational church is laity centered.. Not too exciting IMHO.
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You are completely discounting the vested partnership between Christ and his called servants -- Mark 10:41-44, Hebrews 13:17, (Ephesians 4:7-13 is also germane).
The Presence of the Power of the Holy Spirit -- the same one who calls and instructs the hearts of the faithful--...
...Gives correction & direction to the bishops and elders (episcopos/presbuteros); for the oversight & governance of the Body of Christ -- ....
....As well as "seed to the sower" ( 2 Cor 9:10)-- for those whose ministry is preaching and teaching-- those noted worthy of double-honor. (1Tim 5:17-21)
One should be careful impugning those who have answered the calling -- and serve faithfully before the Lord, and intercede for His Beloved -- the Church.
In my church experience, there is a pastor who gives sermons and pastoral care to a diverse group of people. Some of the people receiving the the pastor don't have a clue and would accept an “interpretation of the day”, but there are many members that are as well versed in the Bible as the pastor and well grounded in their faith. These may be called deacons, elders or other names, but in the churches I have attended, they have the power to take a pastor to task or ask them to leave if they don't hold true to the faith.
Ugh. Typical Roman Catholic faith-bating. As though your denominations are without fault.
I was raised a Plymouth Brethren. No pastors, only Elders and Deacons.
The Breaking of Bread (Communion) is held every week, and the men stand to speak briefly or pray as they are led. Sermons are passed around among a group who has had appropriate training. Many women still wear head coverings in that meeting.
Jesus vowed to build his church on that fundamental confession voiced by Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” The Christian church, the Body of Christ on Earth, can have no other valid basis.
My congregation has a pastor, but we are centered on Jesus Christ and what He has done and does for us, not on the person of our pastor who, like every member of the congregation is by nature human and a sinner in need of forgiveness, redemption and salvation. While we treasure his talents and all he does to serve God and His little flock in this place at this time, the Word of God as recorded in our Bible is the final arbiter of truth.