There are at least _five answers_ to the question ‘who rules/ has authority in the church?’ God, apostles/prophets, the bishop, elders, and the congregation. Yes, pre-modern cultures understand an eldership / episcopal system best – and it’s the best model for turbulent times. Congregational models, when coloured by notions of democracy, are somewhat modern (despite what you read in books of ‘Baptist Distinctives’).

My theory: a healthy Western congregation will have elements of all five components (but show me one!)

The devil’s job is to separate what God has put together.

Rowland Croucher.