"But you do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren." (Mt 23:8)
This passage really struck me because there is a real egalitarian aspect when it comes to spiritual matters under Jesus. Not that there is a belief that we are equal with Christ or God -- that is an error that exists in Mormon belief (that we can become a god - that Jesus is only one of many) -- but rather that we are equal in the sight of God.
I definitely would distinguish as well spiritual egalitarianism from political egalitarianism. With the concepts of personal property in the 10 commandments, "Thou shalt not steal" God clearly emphasizes that we are not promised the same "stuff". Forcible redistribution of items so that everyone has the same result is not supported in God's Word. Instead we are called to be charitable which involves a voluntary spirit of giving of our personal property to others as we personally choose. Likewise a spiritual of communal living can be chosen as well as in the book of Acts (which could very well be the picture of Heaven), but it not something that is required. Even in Acts, people gave what they chose to give, they were not forced to give all of their possessions, but they were not allowed to lie about the level of their contribution. (see Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5).
It isn't that Christian leadership is unnecessary - from an organizational and teaching standpoint, there is really a need for proper teaching and organizing. But, Christ is asking us never to exalt ourselves or others to the point of being a substitute for Him. Instead, we are to turn to Christ as our ultimate resource and our ultimate Teacher. We are to read the Word and pray constantly so that we will know His will and follow His ways.
As I mentioned the Mormon faith earlier, something that they may be doing more right than Christian churches is the concept that teaching should not be dominated by one man or group of men, but perhaps that it should be rotated amongst the congregation. That each week, a different head of a family would preside over the teaching for the group. Certainly that would bring a different atmosphere and the responsibility for teaching (and learning) would be passed from one main person to a everyone.
Although that would present a logistical headache and the consistency of teaching may be lacking, it would certainly be interesting to hear individual stories and points of view on how God has changed their lives instead of only hearing the same stories over and over again.
Church structure is a hard thing to think about, and I'm certainly struggling with it now. However, the main thing is to find a preacher that teaches the Word truthfully in a straightforward manner. Based on this scripture, I am also thinking that it is important to find a church that emphasizes that we are all equal under God and does not try to exalt the leadership beyond that.
Lord Jesus, we are on the cusp of moving, if it is your will that we get this house we are looking at. Please help us to find the right church body and the right place for us to grow as a family that will teach our kids Your ways. Thank You for being our Teacher, Father and Friend. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
