The pattern of Old Testament history is that as long as the people of God had a Judge or a King who knew God and walked in his ways, the people followed and all was well. All to often though, when that Judge or King died things quickly went downhill.

We should not believe it inevitable for such a pattern to repeat itself in the history of the New Testament people of God. Moses once said, “Would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). That is the principle of the New Testament, that all members of the Church of God should have God’s Spirit so that they are equipped to walk in the ways of God.

Yet we see it all the time, a dynamic leader arises with a vision for the work of God and gathers a congregation to carry out that vision. For awhile it seems to work. But the leader has the vision and all the answers, the people are only followers of the leader, not of God, even though they may truly be born-again Christians. When the leader becomes too old to lead any longer, or when he stumbles and is no longer fit to lead, the people have no direction.

This is why Jesus told his disciples: “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” (Mark 10:43-44).

The church must have leaders, we call them ministers (servants), teachers, shepherds, evangelists, overseers (bishops or elders). But woe be unto them, and to their congregations, when they begin to think of themselves, and conduct themselves, as lords of the church.

Fiery preaching stirs the emotions, but often leaves the heart unmoved. Prophetic preaching stirs the mind, but also does not touch the heart. People respond best to an exposition of Bible truth coupled with an earnest exhortation to live that truth.

The great increase in the number of independent congregations in our day is not a blessing from God. The leaders of those congregations have placed themselves in a position where they do not need to render account to anyone. The Christian church is meant to be a body of Christian people who walk with God each day and who help, reprove and encourage one another.