This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley. This is not the opinion of the Elgin Courier.Early Christians met in house churches to learn, encourage and worship interactively. There were no inside-the-church preachers, priests, buildings, tithes or religious dogma. Potential converts came to the faith because of observed Christian behavior and compelling evangelism outside church walls. Members upheld covenantal vows and communal expectations.No one person ruled anyone. Elders provided oversight but weren’t elevated. Preachers and evangelists taught outside church walls; pastors shepherded and taught inside and were equal to everyone else and unpaid. Everyone shared testimonies, burdens,