Originally Posted by john
Pilgrim,

Thanks. Just to clarify, are you saying that you agree more with presbyterianism at a local level (church with deacons and elders) but more with congregationalism at a higher level (no presbytery) where churches have a looser association (like the SBC)?
I think that would be a fair summary of my position. I have nothing against "denominations" per se. My objection is to the hierarchy that exists in the Presbyterian form of church government because, 1) I find no biblical warrant for it, and 2) history shows it simply does not work. A mutual respect for other like-minded congregations seems to be the pattern I find in Scripture that are bound in the Spirit, in doctrine and life (practice) appears to be the way the NT Church functioned. Christ is the head of the Church Who by His Spirit has ordained that Elders and Deacons should tend the flock in local assemblies. Unless one wishes to suggest Apostolic succession still exists, I don't see any other governing body established that is to rule over individual congregations.

That's my [Linked Image]

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simul iustus et peccator

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