I agree we have to use scripture to light the way ahead.
I think much of it is to do with there being paid staff in control- they're on a good deal, financially and with pension contributions, so they want to control everything to ensure they get their good deal for as long as possible. If the sheep realised they didn't need some of these self appointed leaders-mediators then their good deal would be over. At a most extreme example, a pastor can work two or three hours a week and get the same pay as a Head Teacher, with a final salary pension.
In a Charismatic/ Pentecostal type church where there can be an obsession with experience and miracles and an expectation on the behalf of the people to see these things, in order to keep their living a pastor will need to keep the experiences and the miracles being seen, whether or not the Holy Spirit is moving or not.
The Most scary comment I heard from a Pentecostal Pastor was 'If God is not moving then we have to move God'. The same Pastor asked me if I would be slain in the Spirit at the end of the meeting if no-one else was, in order to authenticate the sermon. Some agreed to be pushed over, I didn't. Those who agreed are no longer with us.
God Bless
