How do we know the authority of lay church members is biblical?

The authority of lay church members is firmly rooted in biblical practice as demonstrated in various passages. St. Paul frequently addressed his letters to the lay community, as seen in Philippians 1:1 where he writes to 'all the saints' and only mentions bishops and deacons thereafter. This ordering indicates the prominence of the laity in the early church. The New Testament does not depict a model where clergy govern independently but highlights a cooperative relationship where laity are expected to engage in teaching, admonishing, and building up the body of believers (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Hence, the active role of lay members is both scriptural and essential to church vitality.