People like to set up triangular power structures. The person at the top has the ultimate authority, and extends limited authority to a few subordinates, who delegate limited authority to a few subordinates, who delegate limited authority to a few subordinates.
We do this in the church, too, especially in small groups. Your small group has a leader, but he reports to someone else, who reports to someone who reports to the pastor...or something like that.
I don't see Jesus doing this. Instead, Jesus organized his followers circularly. He had his best friend, John. John was a part of the inner three (Peter, James, and John). They were part of the Twelve. The Twelve were part of the Seventy (Seventy-two?). The Seventy (two?) were a part of the believers. The believers were part of the crowds.
What's the lesson here? I dunno. Maybe it's quit trying to control things. Quit making power grabs. Maybe it's to be Jesus-centric. All of the above?
You have excellent organic thoughts, Mike. Seriously.
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