From the very beginning, God has designed the church with a specific structure and order, not for control or authority, but for our good and His glory. Just as every area of life—government, marriage, family—has a structure that, when followed, leads to harmony and flourishing, so too does the church. Leadership in the church is not a human invention, but a gift from Jesus Himself. He appoints leaders—pastors, elders, deacons—not to lord over others, but to serve, care, teach, and equip the body for ministry. When leaders fulfill their calling with humility and the congregation responds with respect, support, and partnership, the church thrives in unity, maturity, and love.

God’s order is like a recipe: when we follow His instructions, the result is the very best for us. Ignoring His structure, whether in marriage or in the church, leads to chaos, division, and even spiritual harm. The enemy seeks to disrupt God’s order, sowing discord and discouragement, but when we honor God’s blueprint, we experience peace, joy, and growth. Leaders are called to shepherd the flock, teach sound doctrine, lead by example, and equip believers for service. Their role is not to do all the work, but to prepare the church to serve together, each using their gifts for the building up of the body.

The congregation’s responsibility is to honor, respect, and support their leaders, submitting to their guidance as they teach the truth of God’s Word. This includes praying for them, serving alongside them, and being teachable and accountable. When challenges arise that are not clearly addressed in Scripture, it is the leaders’ responsibility to seek God’s wisdom and make decisions for the good of the church, and the congregation is called to stand behind them in unity. Ignoring or undermining leadership is a serious matter before God, as seen in the example of Miriam and Aaron opposing Moses. But when God’s order is honored, the church becomes a place of unity, growth, and effective ministry, where the gospel spreads and lives are transformed.