Priestly authority is given to mankind in general, along with prophetic and kingly authority. Jesus identifies Himself as being the embodiment of the priestly when He says, “I am the Way” (Jn. 14:6). As Basileians, we cultivate this priestly way of being authentically human as 1) Worshipers who engage in Eucharistic worship, beginning on Sundays, 2) Soul Friends who love and help others to belong in order to believe, 3) Storytellers who follow the lectionary in rhythm with the Church Year, 4) Sentinels who welcome all able to come to the Table and 5) Hosts who offer hospitality to all already within the Church and to those yet beyond the Church. Both Jesus and the Christian faith are called the “Way” because Christ calls us to journey with Him and be like Him (Acts 9:2; 19:7-9). The end of our journey is therefore not so much an “end” in the sense of a destination beyond which we travel no more, but the purpose or goal of becoming “perfect,” as our “heavenly Father is perfect.” It’s a way of life without end. By “end” in this priestly way of life we mean the purpose, goal, objective and intention for why we travel this way. We constantly and continually make progress along the way, never coming to a “dead end” where no further progress is possible. We travel this way now since we shall also continue to travel this way in the ages to come. If it’s good enough for “forever,” then it’s good enough for now. We will never graduate from being priestly and being conformed ever more to the likeness of Him Who is the Way. Furthermore, in this way of life we distinguish between the general priestly authority of individuals and the special, collective priestly authority of elders in general and of Presbyters of the Church in particular.
Also see Hosts, “Governing Roles of Men and Women in Basileia,” Kingly, Priesthood of All Believers, Prophetic, Sentinels, Soul Friends, Storytellers, and Worshippers.