What does the Bible say about clergy and laity?

Scripture teaches that the church is one body, with Christ as the head, and all members have distinct but equally important roles. While the church may appoint officers or ministers, the notion of a hierarchical clergy-laity divide is not found in Scripture. Instead, every believer is equipped with gifts to minister within the body, contributing to its overall health and effectiveness. This understanding challenges the modern comfort derived from a structured clergy system, emphasizing that all members are to participate actively rather than delegate responsibility to a select few.