Jesus never spoke about roles or titles other than student (disciple) / teacher (rabbi) language throughout his ministry. He never spoke of different roles or even of "church" (ekklesia) itself. But rather, he is the only role that matters, as he's the prophet (words from the Father), priest (mediator between God and man) and king. If he's within us, why have titles and roles? Why does Paul create roles for those called out (ekklesia - the church) when Jesus already commissioned us? Are roles just stepping stones to grow into the head, into Christ? Why not just go into all the world and preach the gospel as Jesus said to do? And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15‭-‬18 ESV Paul had vast spiritual experience(s) and vision(s), and to this day, people still hear the Father (YHWH) and have his leading as He, Jesus and the Holy Spirit dwell within us as we believe in Jesus and do the Father's will. Paul lays out clearly defined guidelines for the ekklesia (global church - body of Christ - as well as local establishments) yet I've never seen a local church that follows Paul's text, but rather, skips over the parts that don't fit our modern day views or ideals. Why? Paul's words against fellowship with brothers who are doing wrong is harsh, but should we follow it? Jesus ate with tax collector's and sinners and was chastised for it, but they weren't considered brothers. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 1 Corinthians 5:11 ESV We see warnings against idolatry (1 Corinthians 10) but we don't see women wearing head coverings if they are praying for prophesying in public. We don't see men required to not wear hats or women being kept silent in the church. Should we adhere to his guidelines or pick and choose? Was it just for "them" and not us? How can we tell? 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 However, we do see people honoring communion, but not always seeing the seriousness of it, as those who take it without discernment have died!?! Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 1 Corinthians 11:28‭-‬30 ESV Do we write off spiritual gifts as things of the past and deny occultism in our modern day, also denying the power of the Holy Spirit? 1 Corinthians 12 Do we write off his instructions under authorial context and ignore his writings since those were to specific church community establishments of the time? Do we pick and choose what we like or fits with modern day life and toss the rest? If 2 Timothy 3:16 is legitimate, how can we do that? Do we write off tongues? Or do we just ignore the guidelines put in place by Paul of how it should be presented in the church? 1 Corinthians 14 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:11‭-‬16 ESV Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27‭-‬31 ESV If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:37‭-‬40 ESV