And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church. Colossians 1:18a ESV

By: Scott Schuler

In the corporate world, when operations and revenue perform as projected, it’s often attributed to a management team who closely monitors and actively pursues the business goals. A successful organization maintains a culture of integrity, accountability and trust, keeping their mission as the primary focus.

These same characteristics distinguish a church that is true in its mission: Jesus as the head of the church.

The Christian body, or church, consists of those who gather together as followers in Jesus; they seek a life made complete through faith in, obedience to, and relationship with Jesus. The first-century church recognized Jesus’ rightful position as head of the body or church, when they assembled to learn more about Jesus and worship Him:

For in him [Jesus] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him [Jesus] to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19–20 ESV

What does it mean for Jesus to be the head of the church body? The people in this church build from the foundation that the Bible is the infallible truth, including the belief that Jesus is God. They prayerfully rely on the Holy Spirit for direction and passionately lead others to salvation in and relationship with Jesus.

A biblically accurate church has appointed Jesus as head over all things. Its members worship Jesus by embracing and serving each other, while joyfully praising Him and growing together in their knowledge of Christ. Their primary goal is to glorify Him and build His kingdom.

Around the world, various denominations, or branches, of churches have been established. Regardless of the denomination, it is not uncommon to find churches who tend to worship their pastor, leaders or worship team as much as they do Jesus.

When a church functions according to God’s will and Word, Jesus, not a human being, is the leader of the church.

According to the Bible, the church body should reflect Jesus and submit to His leadership: And he [God the Father] put all things under his [Jesus’] feet and gave him [Jesus] as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him [Jesus] who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV).

Organizations, including churches, that remain intentionally focused on their foundational mission are typically more successful than those that do not. They persevere through tough times because they remain unified and faithful to the reason they exist. Those who vacillate according to economic and social trends to dictate next steps often falter, sometimes failing completely.

Are the leaders of your church dedicated to the mission of God’s Word as the infallible truth and Jesus as the head of the church? Anything less than this is not an option in any church.

If you are not attending church, ask God to lead you to one, as this is not an option either. We are instructed biblically to fellowship with others.

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