Church Leadership II

Jesus is the head of the church.

It could be because this is far too obvious but I find that far too often Jesus is left off our or organizational charts.

Jesus himself states that he is the one who builds his church (Matthew 16:18). The Scriptures describe Jesus as our Apostle and High Priest (Hebrews 3:1) as well as our Chief Sheppard (1 Peter 5:4). Throughout Ephesians Christ is described as the head over the church body (Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:15-16, 5:23).

Whatever structures are in place they must always submit to the ways of Jesus and the Spirit of God. While there is a human leadership structure, every person ultimately follows and submits to God Himself.

I’ve never quite seen a good diagram on church ecclesiology, where there is some form of structure, yet everyone submitting to Christ himself. Here’s what I’m imagining.

Although I don’t expect those who are part of our community but not followers of Jesus to submit themselves to Jesus, I think they too have a role in leading. I’m not sure how to pictorially demonstrate it, but whether you acknowledge it or not, there are those in your midst that don’t subscribe to Jesus, but lead in influential ways.

2 comments