[abaici]

Truthfully, I have a problem following. However, by readign your statments, it allowed me to step outside myself and look at some of the things that I have spouted off.

You said: "who was he that I would have to proove anything to?"

He's the person who assists the pastor in guiding your spiritual life. He is accountable for it.

He went on to state that this shows that people do not understand submission in general, and do not respect the biblical design for church structure. I felt that to try to assert this type of leadership with reasonable people would just drive them away from the church, thus making the church irrelevant.

It's true. We have a problem following. Now, if you have a problem with entrusting your spritual growth and well-being to your Pastor, you may need to find another flock. By the same token, women have problems submitting to their husband. Submitting does not mean that you are letting someone who does not have your BEST interest at heart make decisions for you. If your husband is a man of God and following His Word, it should not be a problem for you to let him guide you. This goes for your Pastor as well. If he is doing the right thing, then why AREN'T you following his lead?