Wrongful separation of the laity from the leaders – elders, deacons, board members, pastors, bishops or whatever you may call those in authority – hinders the work of the church. The lust for religious power continues to infect God’s congregation. Often unholy authority (homosexuals, molesters, lovers of money, boasters, drunks, blasphemers) exercises control over God’s people – manipulating, dominating, intimidating. It’s wrong.
Paul said in Ephesians 4:11, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, and some pastors, and teachers of the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry”.
Peter said in 1 Peter 5:2, “The elders……I exhort, ……Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Good leaders are God ordained teachers, caregivers, and examples. Let them know you, and get to know them. Honor them and follow their example.