>> I notice in the recounting of Mathew, you fail to mention that the remedy for one whose brother has offended him is to bring it to the church.<<
“Bring it to the church” the gathering of believers. The church is not an organization, it is a body of believers. Yes, there were designated leaders in the church but not a hierarchical structure, only differing levels and responsibilities of service.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Nothing in the above verses states that the, “church leadership” or “a church leader” is the final authority or “in charge”. The church as a whole makes that decision.
The hierarchy is the leaders. What use is there of a leader, if all is of one accord? What was the practical purpose of those men the Apostles chose as leaders?