“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.

“The congregation that gives prime place to its teachers is steering a wise course in utilizing its
personnel to promote growth most effectively in the Body… All other spiritual factors being what
they should be, an instructed church is a stable and advancing church…A leaderless
congregation has never been, and is not, God’s concept of Christ’s Body.” Robert L. Thomas,
Understanding Spiritual Gifts (Revised Edition). Pp. 62-66.