[wideawake]

Now, if by “The Church” you’re meaning the Roman Catholic Church ... well, then, you’d be incorrect.

Hmmm, then you go on to say:

The Body of Christ includes all those adopted into God’s family, all those who follow Christ

I have no disagreement with this, as far as it goes.

Here's the problem, Theo: on whom does Christ bestow earthly responsibility and leadership for His Body?

[Theo]

God has provided “overseers and deacons” (or “bishops and deacons,” depending on your translation) to bear earthly responsibility and leadership for His Body.

Scripture describes these men, and their roles/responsibilities, in 1 Tim. 3:1-13, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17, Eph. 4:11-12, 2 Tim. 2:2, Acts 14:23, and elsewhere.