Jesus did not teach against role distinctions. He did teach against the notion that roles determine personal worth. In teaming, which is the method for accomplishing ministry most effectively in the twenty-first century, the distinction between role and value is critical. If volunteers do not feel as valued as paid staff, if support staff defers to program staff, if lay staff cannot be recognized for their gifts as readily as pastoral staff, then we have crossed the boundary between healthy role differentiation and personal value. Roles are necessary in order for any complex system to function well.
Value is essential for people to function well over time.