James,

I think your OP makes a good point. While the ministry of others may be invaluable in the growth of souls, we nonetheless are in a governmental / family unit -- the local church -- where discipleship and wise submission under godly leaders is the Lord's provision for our growth and stability in His grace and truth.

The days are coming quickly -- the signs seem to show -- when small congregations, knit together in love and godly disciplines, will [respectively] be oases in the dangerous wilderness of our societies.

__________________
Steve Rafalsky
Elder, International Evangelical Church (Reformed)
Limassol, Cyprus

"I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17)

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." (Colossians 1:11)