HOW MANY BRETHREN DOES IT TAKE...?

HOW MANY BRETHREN.....
"How many Brethren does it take to change a light-bulb?" I do not usually have anything to do with such "banter," but the answer was as readily given to me as the question was asked of me. The answer may seem quite humorous at first, but I felt some real disquiet. "How many does it take? Answer," None as they never change anything!" Sadly that is so very far from the truth. It may have obtained a generation or two ago, and with precious results ensuing from that position of "no compromise."
From my close and personal experience with many Assemblies, the very reverse seems to be the normal practice. A considerable number of years ago I "withdrew" from a local Assembly. The meeting seemed intent on altering everything possible and as quickly as possible. (Before anyone reading this makes some really stupid remark, such as "the Gospel Meeting must be held at 6.30," or something similar, Brethren never made such a statement. The Gospel meeting was held when it best suited the locality. )
The Assembly from which I "withdrew" decided that musical accompaniment was needed at the Breaking of Bread as there was no "precentor."But there were at least three brethren who were very capable of exercising this "help" for the Lords' people, and one brother readily volunteered! He was ignored. The hymnbook was changed arbitrarily, as was the name of the hall, while many other alterations were also agreed. From the discussions and remarks made during that "church meeting" the writing was clearly on the wall! Loans were to be sought from those in fellowship with a promise of interest being paid to them. The council was to be contacted with a view to asking for financial assistance. There were many other things discussed in a similar vein, and almost everything was decided by "a show of hands!"
Over the next 20 years or so, the meeting lost all resemblance to a New Testament Assembly. A  few brethren "left" during more recent years, (how and why, did they remain for so long?)  when women were permitted to take an audible part in the gatherings, having long since discarded their headcoverings.
The numbers have grown considerably since, with much frenzied activity, but at what terrible cost!
No doubt this is an extreme case, but it is by no means an isolated one.