And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
OF COURSE, AS SCRIPTURE, WE BELIEVE IT.
However, some Proddys are more hierarchical about it and others are the opposite extreme without having even any designated spiritual leader of any kind. Lay persons take turns leading meetings.
I’ve learned a lot from all types—even at an Episcopal Cathedral in Spokane.
However, I’ve also seen enough to believe that the corrupting power of position in religious institutions is not at all a preference of God. He’d rather have no hierarchy whatsoever than THAT, imho.
I’ve rarely seen even a large congregation avoid putting the Pastor on a pedestal. And most Pastors seem to like their pedestals.
Horrid.
I Cor 14 is the model I prefer and one I think God prefers.