“The chaos over the church today stems primarily from the disengagement of its leaders from
the Lord of the Church and His patterns of church life. Perplexing questions as to the nature of
the church, the role of the ministry, and the very purpose of the existence of the church can be
answered only by a return to the origins of the church in the Word of its Lord. Progress in the
church comes not from advancing beyond the Biblical patterns but from building squarely upon
them.” Robert L. Saucy, The Church in God’s Program. Pp. 7-8.

“The Church is a unique organism. It is edified and becomes mature as every member functions.
God never intended for the ministry of the Body of Christ to become dependent on one leader to
do ‘the work of ministry…’ God did not even intend for several leaders to do the work of
ministry. Rather, He intended for the whole church to do this work. It is a responsibility of
church leaders to equip the saints to serve. Then and only then can a local body of believers
grow and develop into a mature church.” Gene A. Getz, Sharpening the Focus of the Church.
Pp. 80-81.