[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Peter Debelak

Apart from teaching, shepherding and mutual fellowship - what sorts of functions do you envision churches doing which would require a structured leadership?

Let me be clear: if an individual is lead by the Lord to develop a ministry and others chose to join that work than the initiator of that work is an identifiable leader to whom the others should submit with regard to the specific burden.

That is different than the church.

Peter,
Could you please try to clarify here for us. I can't seem to get a grasp on what problems you might have with leadership as it is practiced by much (most?) of orthodox, evangelical Christianity.

The great majority of churches have one or two pastors, ministers or elders. For the most part the function of these leaders is teaching and shepherding. The Lord Jesus commanded us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations", and this is what the teaching and shepherding and gospel preaching is all about. (or should be about). Again, I will mention the mention "mission of the church". To fulfill a mission we need direction and instruction, and for this we need leadership.

I'm probably missing something out of your argument. (my life story)