As for flexibility, I think that’s okay within limits, but as I’ve said before, there are certain biblical passages that speak directly to how to do Church which are ignored by most who make that claim. I can’t help but suspect that at the bottom of it all there’s a doubting pragmatism when that is brought to the fore (not referring to you, so much, Doug, but others committed to different structures).

As for panacea’s, Church structure is not one. It’s like saying having a physical body means there is human life. It is decidedly possible to have a lifeless human body. But at the same time, there are bodies that are in better shape and condition than others, and surely the Bible would witness to the best of all church bodies!

Anyway, as I say, it’s the closest to the Biblical witness I have come across yet.

I also don’t see changes in church structure as a panacea.

That said I think the role of senior pastor is an unnecessary one that should be done away with. I also think the house church captures something the institutional church just doesn’t.

Let’s say I’m interested but not yet sold on Jeremy’s ideas.