In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, black nor white, clergy nor laity. We are all one IN CHRIST.

Creating disciples, baptizing disciples, and nurturing disciples is the mutual responsibility of all believers. We are a "kingdom of priests". There is no elite class of Christians. Clergy and laity distinctions are inventions of men intended to elevate one group of believers over another group.

Although these ideas are revolutionary in this day they are as old as the New Testament. It's what first Christians did when they came together. Worship was "mutual edification". They had no elites among them. Even The Twelve never claimed such distinction. When the brethren tried to elevate apostles or other men over the rest, Paul condemns it! See I Corinthians 1. That's elitism and it has no place among God's family. Even Jesus said, “It shall not be so among you!”

Men brought the idea of clergy/laity in the church. It is not biblical. It must be done away with before it destroys the whole church.

Public worship is to be done by all. Not just a select few. Each member is expected to come to public assembly with something to share: a verse, a song, a message from God, a word of encouragement or praise. This should be done as the Spirit leads and without chaos.

There are two requirements for true worship. It is to be done in spirit and in truth. Truth-speaking is to be given preference. Truth is to be spoken to one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Each one takes his turn bringing a word of encouragement or message from God. See the instructions in I Corinthians 14.

One group should never "lord it over" the rest. God lives in each of us. We move as he directs. There is no man on earth with his authority. We move and act according to the measure of faith and gifts he gives each of us.

Unfortunately, our cultural Christianity promotes a few superstars among us each Sunday. These actors are placed on raised podiums while the average Christian is told to sit down and shut up! They are asked to accept only what the elite class is capable of delivering. Sometimes these superstars have little or no proven Christian character. Some even lack spiritual maturity. Yet, they are lifted up as role models. By so doing, we teach the rest that character does not matter. We teach that what matters most is being a great singer, an excellent speaker, or an accomplished performer! Among the body of Christ it should never be so!

The body of Christ is where each member plays a part necessary for growing the whole body.

We need true Christian community. We need believers acting as a family that nurtures and protects each member. We need mentors who actually listen and follow the Spirit. We need leaders who can lead as servants to teach how to listen more closely to the Spirit. We need real leaders who actually let the Spirit lead. These leaders will walk among us and beside us. Certainly not walk over us!

As true Christian community, the Spirit will hold each of us accountable. We will promote the original tenets of Christianity. We will emphasize relationships without hypocrisy. We will enjoy true heart-felt, honest, and spontaneous praise in worship to our Lord Jesus Christ.

No Christian is above another Christian. No member of Christ’s body should ever be given absolute power and sole authority over other believers.

In Christ, there is one Lord and Master. His name is Jesus.