The earthly church also occupies a humble position in its worldy authority over men, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:7).  Tozer in the 1940’s took issue with the earthly church’s lofty claims to truth, saying that truth, and with it spirituality and love for God, comes to the church through individuals, not to individuals through the church: “it is personal: that is, it does not come through the body of believers, as such, but is known to the individual, and to the body through the individuals which compose it.”  This is consistent with Scripture, which teaches that the human church has no power to impart salvation or spiritual truth, for true believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, “who will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13); “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you” (I John 2:27). 

            For this reason, Jesus warned the religious leaders of His day, “do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.  But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:8-11). Thus, the leadership structure of the earthly body is to be clothed with humility, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (I Peter 5:3), realizing that submission of the members of the body to each other and to Christ is perhaps a higher principle than submission to earthly leaders:  “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (I Peter 5:5); in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10);  “Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:16); “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:21). 

            While it is true that there were “shepherds,” “elders,” and “overseers” in the early church as well as in the modern, these were, and are, for the purpose of facilitating the church’s earthly functions within that assembly, and are not parallel to the roles of the Old Testament prophets or New Testament apostles (both of which were appointed directly by God), or even of the Old Testament priest, who was fitted for the role on the basis of his tribal heritage and a screening process that excluded even physical deformities.  Even early church elders and pastors were directly appointed by the inspired apostles and thus, it would seem, carried an authority that does not exist after centuries of human corruption within the church. 

            Scripture does admonish the flock to acknowledge those who minister to them: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17); “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” (Hebrews 13:7); “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief , for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).  In these cases, however, the authority and honor of ministers is not absolute, but is based on the worthy exercise of their office according to scriptural principles.  Therefore, church leaders today would be wise to heed the same warning given to all the saints: “Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”  (Romans 12:16).

            The principle of humility cannot be ignored today, when much of the modern church seeks to use human wisdom to grow the church.  In fact, charisma, human wisdom and human skill were such an attraction in Biblical times that Paul gave stern warning not to follow preacher personalities: “let no one boast in men. . . . judge nothing before the time,  until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”  Paul’s warning flies in the face of most of today’s Church Growth Movement (CGM),