Hi Tony,

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback and the invite to converse further :)

There is a sense in which human authority over our spiritual lives is very damaging as each of us ought to work out our own salvation (Phil 2). But we can't take it too far, in my opinion, as we should not give up meeting together (Heb 10:25). 

It's not fair on our leaders to make them an authority over our spiritual lives. Leaders themselves who insist that this is how it works are doing themselves a great disservice. So I agree with you on this point: we're not meant to submit to human authority in our spiritual lives. 

Spiritual leaders (pastors) are called to lead us through/in friendship and relationship. Their leadership ultimately boils down to taking a church in a direction, not individuals. They are not there to bring guidance to my life, per se, but guidance to my church life of which I am a part voluntarily.

I choose to get on board as I both trust them and think community is important. Plus, I feel a church community ought to be going somewhere - having a community for the sake of a community very soon becomes problematic. A community with a vision is ultimately what pastors and leaders are there to create (pastoring the flock means leading the flock, together, through something to some where).

This would call for a whole blog post on its own, to be honest. It boils down to how authority is both understood and used, I think. On my journey I have come to the realisation that I have a responsibility to afford the same level of grace on my leaders as I would expect for them to have for me. 

I am quite fortunate, however, to be in a church where my leaders are truly my friends (10+ years of relationship). Because of our relationship based on friendship before function (a catch phrase in my church) asking questions is not discouraged in any way, but questions are worked out and within relationships that are placed first. 

In other words, like a family but not a cult. 

Matters of ecclesiology and church life are difficult and painful and I affirm your points quite wholeheartedly. I feel, however, there is a way where leadership does not get in the way with our relationship to Christ. I need to clarify that my post is a critique of the larger charismatic-evangelical mindset (ie. the literature and sermons etc. that I regularly encounter) not so much my own church. I am tired in many ways of being a charismatic, as I said, but even so I am able to continue to be a part of my local church because of my friendships and I believe where the church is going is good and right.

Thanks again for the opportunity to dialogue with you and the great points you've raised! :)