What is this submission? Literally it means arrange ourselves under another. It is a military term which has to do with rank, structure, and people have to subordinate themselves.
We are to respect one another, esteem each other very highly. We are to listen to one another, and be ready to be taught by one another. We are not obliged to accept all they say, but we must give them a hearing. We are to serve one another, accept reproof, and humbly work together.
Office in the church never takes away the need for mutual submission; it never means superiority. There has to be order in the church and therefore we need elders and deacons, but wherever one is singled out for leadership, it does not imply superiority. It is not like the army, where officers eat separately, eat different food, have to be saluted, and wear different uniform. In the Church of Christ there is no superiority. All must still listen to each other. When someone is given a leadership role, it does not mean that his opinions are better.
‘In the fear of the Lord’ – he has commanded team spirit, and hates pride. Therefore there should be no heady authoritarianism. Leadership is put in place for efficiency, order; it does not imply abandonment of mutual submission.