I think that everyone would agree that when life is organized it works much better than when there is chaos. That is, organization generally helps to accomplish things no matter what the context. Spiritual matters, in that regard, are no different – things must be kept decent and in order. So, when it comes to the church, we rightly should ask the question, “Does The Church Need A Head?”. Is there the requirement for someone to make sure that the life of the church is ordered and properly coordinated? Logically, I would suggest that the answer is yes.
Well fortunately for all of us, that position does actually exist. Ephesians says the following,
Ephesians 1:20-22
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. [KJV]
So, according to the Scriptures, God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and gave him a great amount of authority – as it says here in Ephesians – but not only that, he made Christ “the head over all things to the church”. So quite simply, who is the head of the church? Well if the Bible is right, it’s Jesus Christ, isn’t it?
Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
[KJV]
So who is the head? Quite simply, Jesus Christ.
Now this may not be kosher with certain Christian thinking that says that the head of the church is supposed to be someone who is elected by ecumenical councils or that the head is appointed as God’s representative on earth and so forth. Well, as it turns out and is very commonly the case with prevalent thinking, the Bible doesn’t say any of that. Sure, there are positions such as elders, pastors, deacons and so forth that are appointed to serve in various ministerial capacities but in no case are any of those designated as “head of the church”. It turns out that that particular position is once and forever already taken and quite adequately filled by the Lord Jesus Christ.
When Jesus Christ was teaching his disciples, an argument once arose about who of them would end up being the greatest, or have the most authority. In addressing the issue of leadership, Jesus Christ taught them that anyone who aspires to have any authority over others has to be prepared to be the greatest servant of all. That is, having authority in no way implies that you live a life of luxury, are served by others and waited on at every turn. Quite the contrary, he taught them by word and example that the one who leads works the hardest and serves the most. I would suggest that this example of leadership is not followed in any respect in secular and even Christian circles. Jesus Christ certainly followed it – and still does.
So does the church need a head? Yes, most certainly. However, it is not a position up for debate or vote, it is not an earthly representative as God’s spokesman, nor is it a human that has God ordained powers to accurately and infallibly interpret or supercede the Scriptures – according to the Scriptures themselves, no such position exists. But thankfully, the one that does exist has been ordained by God and has been assigned to Jesus Christ. He and he alone is the head of the church. When God raised him from the dead, He made him head over all things to the church which is his body.