God's way has the Scriptural structure and order and a sure foundation.  God is a God of order.  He has an opinion on everything, including how the foundation of His Church will be laid.  No man can send himself to this work.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

This verse is often used to prove something that is not true. Jesus gave Simon a new name, Peter (little stone).  Simon was not the first pope.  Jesus told Simon that he was a little stone.  Peter means "a little stone."  Then, Jesus said that upon this mighty bolder (not Simon Peter, but Christ), He will build His Church. The Greek word that was translated here as "rock" means Mighty Bolder. And Peter did become part of the foundation, also built on the Rock, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

1 Corinthians 3:11-12 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

The apostles are indeed the foundation of the church, but they must be firmly set on the cheif corner stone, Jesus Christ.