And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence. - (Col 1: 18)
To truly understand what it means for Christ to be the head of the church, it is essential first to understand what the church is, and this can be challenging for individuals looking for a church to attend. As the number of Christian denominations continues to grow, understanding what the church is and how it relates to Christ's headship becomes even more critical.
Hard choices for newcomers
The vast number of Christian denominations worldwide makes it challenging for individuals seeking to embrace the Christian faith to determine which church to attend.
Determining the exact number of registered Christian denominations worldwide may be challenging because definitions of what constitutes a denomination can vary, and data on religious affiliation can be complex and fragmented. However, some estimates suggest tens of thousands of Christian denominations worldwide.
The World Christian Encyclopedia, last updated in 2001, listed over 33,000 distinct Christian denominations. However, it's important to note that this number does not include groups some may not consider denominations in the traditional sense, such as house churches and independent congregations. More recent estimates suggest that the number of Christian denominations has continued to grow, particularly in the Global South, where there has been a rise in independent and Pentecostal churches.
To understand what it means for Christ to be the head of the church, it is essential first to understand what the church is. As the number of Christian denominations continues to grow, understanding what the church is and how it relates to Christ's headship becomes even more critical.
How does the biblical concept of the church differ from what we understand the church today?
Over the years, I've had many conversations with unchurched individuals, and one of the most common criticisms I've heard is that they view the church as just another business. Frankly, they are partly right! Various factors can fuel this perception, including the emphasis on fundraising, marketing techniques, and the commodification of faith-based products and services.
However, the biblical concept of the church is rooted in the New Testament, where it is portrayed as a community of believers who follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, not people who possess a membership card or building. The church is described as a body with Christ as its head, and its members are united by their faith in Jesus and their commitment to serving him. The Church is described as an organism, not an organization.
While many churches today exist, not all fully embody the church's biblical concept. Some denominations have developed their own distinct practices, beliefs, and organizational structures that may differ from what is described in the New Testament. Additionally, some churches may emphasize individualism, consumerism, or cultural relevance more than biblical teaching and spiritual growth.
Not The Pastor, Not the Pope - Christ is the head of the church.
One way the churches may differ from the biblical concept of the church is in how authority is exercised. In the New Testament, authority within the church is centred on Christ as the head and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. However, in some churches today, the authority may be more centralized in human leaders or structures, leading to potential abuses of power or loss of focus on Christ.
Another potential difference is how the community is experienced within the church. While the biblical concept of the church emphasizes unity and interconnectedness among believers, some denominational churches may struggle with issues of division or exclusivity based on cultural or doctrinal differences.
Overall, the case may be some churches can undoubtedly reflect the biblical concept of the church, while others, because of differences in practice or emphasis, may set them apart. Ultimately, what is most important is that churches remain focused on Christ as the head, grounded in biblical teaching, and committed to building a community of believers who love and serve one another.
In Colossians 1:18, the apostle Paul writes about Christ, saying, "He is also the head of the body, the church." This statement implies that Christ has a position of authority over the church and that the church is a body with Christ as its head.
Looking at the passage’s context helps us understand this more fully. In the verses leading up to verse 18, Paul is writing about the supremacy of Christ. He describes Christ as the "image of the invisible God" (v. 15), the one through whom all things were created (v. 16), and the one who holds everything together (v. 17). In verse 18, he then explains that Christ is the head of the church.
The concept of the church as a body is also used elsewhere in the New Testament (e.g. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27), emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ. Just as a human body has many parts that work together under the direction of the head, the church is made up of many members who have different roles and functions but who are united under the authority of Christ.
Therefore, when Paul writes that Christ is the head of the church, he emphasizes Christ's authority and leadership over the church and the unity of believers under his direction.
What does it mean that Christ is the head of the Church?
While it's true that Christ is the one who founded the church and called his disciples to follow him, the phrase "head of the church" carries with it a deeper meaning.
The idea of "headship" in the Bible refers to a position of authority and leadership. In the church context, Christ's role as the head means that he has authority over the church and is the ultimate source of its direction and guidance. Just as the head directs and guides the body, Christ directs and guides the church.
So, while it's true that Christ started the church, his role as the head of the church is much more than that. It emphasizes his ongoing leadership and authority over the church and its members and the unity of believers in him.
Choosing a Church Where Christ is the Head
As a new believer, you may wonder what signs to look for to indicate that a local church has Christ as its head, based on Colossians 1:18, which states, “He is the head of the body, the church." Here are a few indicators to consider:
Emphasis on Biblical teaching: A church with Christ as its head will strongly emphasize the teaching of the Bible. This means that the sermons, small group discussions, and other forms of teaching will be centred on Scripture and its application to everyday life.
Focus on prayer and worship: A church that recognizes Christ as its head will prioritize prayer and worship as integral parts of its communal life. The services and gatherings will provide ample opportunity for communal worship and prayer.
Love and care for the community: A church with Christ as its head will show genuine love and care for its community inside and outside the church walls. This means that members will seek to serve and care for one another and those in the surrounding community through outreach, charity work, and other service forms.
Emphasis on discipleship: A church that recognizes Christ as its head will prioritize the growth and development of its members as disciples of Jesus. This means there will be opportunities for spiritual growth, mentorship, and intentional discipleship relationships.
Ultimately, the most critical sign of a church with Christ as its head is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. A church led by Christ will exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) in its communal life and relationships.
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