[Cal]

Let me stress that the question "who are the elders" is not just a means of argumentation. It is a real question which Christians associated with the LCs all over the world have been asking. Many of them have been tormented by this question. All the ostensive elders can do is claim "we are" and condemn the other set. This leads nowhere but to escalated accusations. And so the followers continue in their confusion and misery. No one has an answer for them. How tragic.

Well, I'm attempting to give them an answer. I'm attempting to show them that they don't need to follow the model because the model, ultimately, does not work. You can be free to follow the Lord where he leads you to meet. The church was not intended to be a prison, but a pasture. And if the Lord sets you free you shall be free indeed.

If you happen to enjoy an idyllic situation where all the Christians in your city meet together and are happy to follow one set of elders, then more power to you. I hope the Lord uses your church to save many. But realize you may have no plan B when your elders go bad but continue to insist that they still lead the one church and that all who don't follow them are outside the Lord's will. That's when you'll see the dark side of this thing.

BTW, great post, Hope. Deal breaker indeed.