What does Scripture say about church leadership?

Leadership in the church is structured around God’s sovereign purpose, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, which highlights that all believers are to function as parts of one body. No individual can designate themselves in spiritual leadership roles; it is God who raises up and equips leaders. The idea that these roles can be hierarchically ranked is a misconception that counters the biblical model. Instead, the church functions best when every member takes responsibility for their gifts in service to one another, reflecting the diverse operations God has given for the common good of the body.