They exist to take care of the flock, not represent people to God. Their concern is to serve the sick, the weak, the troubled, and the discouraged. They are to protect the flock from evil people who would destroy them. Leaders are not figures with control and unquestionable power. Christians are not coerced to follow.
Leaders lead by example.
Christians follow leaders because they respect them. In Acts 6, the apostles told the entire congregation to choose seven men to administer the program for taking care of the physical needs of the widows. They simply confirmed the seven whom the congregation chose. The context suggests that they witnessed the discussion and the decision. They obviously had an active part in implementing the decision.