[pjr12345]

Thanks for the clarification. I will accept your definition of “congregationalism”. That is not what I’m proposing.

I propose that every church limit its leadership positions to the two offices of elders (aka presbyters, bishops, overseers) and deacons, and that any man willing to serve be judged carefully alongside the Scriptural requirements. The various ministries authorized by Scripture for the new testament church - preaching, teaching, evangelizing - would be overseen by the elders (sort of like a Board of Directors), and administered by the Deacons. Although the participants in the ministries could very well be other members of the congregation.

Each assembly would be autonomous, assemblies could and are encouraged to communicate one with another. Since there are no more Apostles walking the earth, the only reliable Authority is Scripture; each church should rely solely on Scripture for its doctrine and guidance.

[LibreOuMort]

"the only reliable Authority is Scripture; each church should rely solely on Scripture for its doctrine and guidance."

And whose translation and interpretation of Holy Scripture would govern? Would we throw out the early church fathers and their writings? And what about the historic teaching of the once undivided church? I think the only course that makes sense is a return to original faith and practice. That is the only assurance we have of its purity.