It’s popular in some circles to say we don’t need leaders. There are leaders with national audiences who say it is enough for believers to get together regularly and this is all that is needed for Christianity. Long passages in these books are dedicated to showing this is biblical. I will refute this idea in less than the 275 words of this blog. Here are 3 verses that show this idea is wishful thinking.

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Who are the leaders in this verse? Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

Who gave these leaders? Jesus

What is the job of these leaders? They are to do 5 things with people:

1. Prepare to serve.
2. Bring Unity.
3. Know the Son of God
4. Mature people.
5. Live to the fullness that Jesus lives.

Would you say ALL Christians are serving, unified, really know Jesus, mature, and living as Jesus lives?

This is why we need leaders. There is no other mechanism in the Bible for bringing these 5 things around. You can enjoy fellowship, study, love, sharing etc. with other believers but it requires these leaders to bring us to the fullness we are destined for.