WHAT IF THERE WERE NO "CLERGY"

Without a doubt, the clergy is a profession and members of the clergy are professionals. This profession, like any profession, dictates standards of conduct for how its members should dress, speak, and act, both on-duty and off-duty. And, like other professions, it dictates standards of education, preparation, admittance to the profession, procedures for job searches and applications, and retirement. Clearly, Catholic priests and Protestant ministers alike are expected-by their parishioners, friends, hierarchies, denominational authorities, and themselves-to have a distinct kind of training, be certain kinds of people, and perform certain kinds of duties.

 

Is this the New Testament model for elders (leaders) in the body of Christ?