Believe me, I know all too well where it has led.
Nothing is perfect. My point is that the presbyterian system of church governing seems to be optimal, just like our representative republic is optimal. Both come equipped with a system of checks and balances that hopefully keeps the ship afloat and on an even keel.
The PCUSA has floundered since NOT adhering to the basic system set in place which is ALWAYS first and foremost to be faithful to the word of God. It wasn't. And so it has devolved.
Does our system of government or our system of church structure work perfectly? Nope. But what system works better? That's the question. Not to mention I think this system is outlined in the New Testament.
By and large, I tend to agree with the system. My point is that tares tear things up.
“Does our system of government or our system of church structure work perfectly? Nope. But what system works better? That’s the question. Not to mention I think this system is outlined in the New Testament.”
As a reformed baptist, you are welcome to choose that model of church governance. I tend to view it as a capitalistic baptist approach and a central planning type approach.
From what I’ve read, it seems the NT church started with congregations that had no defined overhead apart from the Apostles. As persecution and growth came, and with the difficulty of not having scripture readily available, the church turned to overseers to help prevent heresy and bad teaching. In time, too many ‘fake’ bishops got in, caring more for Greek philosophy than God’s Word, which led the church astray.
Without readily available scripture, I see the reason for some hierarchy. With it, I prefer the less organized baptist approach - freedom to follow scripture as best you can. This accepts the fact that some will go astray, but permits others to hew as close as possible to scripture - and let it be sorted out at the end.
I’ve visited some pretty freaky ‘Baptist’ churches, but I don’t see any sign Baptists are more likely to break with scripture than more top-down approaches. As I see Lutherans accept homosexual ministers, and others ordaining darn near any unrepentant sinner that turns up, I’m GLAD I’m not forced to accept their lack of belief.