Example or No Example

I cannot find an example in the Bible where the men of the congregation conducted the business of the congregation. For a group proud of its reliance on examples this is curious to say the least.

 

Paul appeared to consider congregations being lead by elders a necessity. He left Titus in Crete, so that he might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town.

 

Today congregations may exist for 10, 20 or more years without elders. Lead by men who do not meet Paul's requirements to be elders qualified nor are they interested in becoming qualified. But they do feel qualified to lead the activities of the congregation. In these situations preachers become defacto pastors while criticizing churches not organized as the Bible says they should be.