Most conversations about church structure (or unstructure) seem to begin and focus in what are erroneously called the Pastoral Epistles. A better beginning might be the Gospels, imo. It is there that we observe men's insatiable cravings for personal elevation and hierarchy:

Mark 10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Matt. 20:21 She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

And it is there in the Gospels that we see our Lord's great countermeasures:

Mark 10:42-45 Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

David Anderson