Authentic church as commanded in the New Testament is simple and participatory …

But rare these days.

As Scripture repeatedly commands, we’re to gather for the primary purpose of mutually building up one another through ministry to each other using the diverse gifts God distributes between us …

With elders (plural) who emerge among us to watch over and humbly serve beside us.

Instead, however, “church” has become a building with spectator seating and a “senior pastor” who’s hired to monopolize our gatherings from a podium above us.

As for me, I think I’ll stick with the simplicity of church as the Bible actually defines it …

Rather than the self-serving, hierarchical, post-Biblical traditions of men. 

How about you?