Church Structure

[The Lemon]

I was wondering if I could pose a few questions to my brothers and sisters on here about modern day church structure. I appreciate all feedback.

First, how did we come to where we are today in terms of worshipping in a central building? Is this THE thing to do, or the only effective means of having/building a church?

Also, there have been alot of subjects on here addressing tithing, and I do not want to bring that up again (trust me) - however, if joining a church is like getting married, then when one joins a fellowship, don't we automatically adopt the means wereby the church is sustained (ala, fundraisers, building fund, etc.)?

Also, I know there has been alot said about wheather or not the pastor is the modern day Moses. I don't want to be redundant, but I have heard alot of this over my 16-years in the UPC. In fact the message yesterday had a portion which the preacher (a very dear friend of mine) talked about how God told Moses to set the boundary around the mountain - he added that God did not tell him how to set it, just to set it. Point being, that God would support the boundary set because Moses had the authority by God to set it. Just wondering if any one has heard this type of teaching before and what is your take on it?

He (my friend) also talked about how if a shepherd had a particular sheep that had a propensity for crossing the fence line set by the shepherd, then the shepherd may eventually have to take the same knife that was used to carve identification on it, to kill it, so it would not lead other sheep astray. Just wondering if anyone has heard this also?

My point is not to argue, just to get feedback. I realize we are the sheep of Gods pasture, however, I am not sure how I feel about being compared LITERALLY to an animal. I have actually heard a person say that sheep are "stupid creatures" referring to the flock of God - that always struck me a little funny.

I know there are allogories and parables used by Christ and are also throughout the Bible. Anyway, I have just been pondering, praying, and studying, trying to get some direction on some things. Fire away!!