Great responses. Worthy of a thoughtful reply, and I'll try to do so later this week. One question I'll answer right away, though is your statement about "true" churches.
" For example, if you are going to use this as the model for all true churches would you then say that if all are not free to speak it is not a true church?"
If I said "true" church, I apologize. "Healthy" would be a better word.
The Lord Jesus Christ saves individuals and calls them to follow Him, and gather with others to - among many other things - encourage and be encouraged to follow Him. Careful personal Bible study with the intent of growing closer to Him in character, practice, attitude and ... (add many other descriptive phrases) is every disciples responsibility. Sharing what we learn, what sin we've been convicted of, what loving encouragement we've received from the Savior, what specific answer prayer we've received is spiritual exercise and edifies the body, encouraging other's to expect the reality of Christ in their lives.
It is easy, I might dare say normative, for church to become like a movie or concert that we attend, and afterward talk about (insert hobby, vocation or family circumstance here) without ever stirring one another up in the "most holy faith" or encouraging one another in love and good works. That isn't healthy.
In the kind of meeting I am speaking of - which is distinct from and does not replace a meeting where apostolic doctrine is taught - if the saints don't seek the Lord during the week, there is awkward silence. In fact there is a fair amount of prayerful silence as God impresses the mature and young to call for a hymn, to speak out in prayer, or to "prophesy" i.e. Speak revealed truth from the written Word of God, that has convicted or encouraged them. It is stunning, how different people - from older children to adults - can share anything from one verse, to a Two or three minute monologue, and without their corroboration, a theme arises that the Holy Spirit wants to communicate to the body. That type of interaction is spiritual exercise is as exciting as a highly specific answered prayer.
Both of you deserve a more careful Scriptural reply, not as an argument, but maybe as an iron sharpening iron exercise.
Thanks for your thoughtful responses.
