Head of the Church
Christ is the head of the church, meaning he holds supreme authority over his people and gives them life, direction, and unity. The title presents the church as belonging to him and depending on him.
At a Glance
Christ is the head of the church, meaning he holds supreme authority over his people and gives them life, direction, and unity. The title presents the church as belonging to him and depending on him.
Description
The phrase “Head of the Church” is a biblical way of describing Jesus Christ’s unique authority and intimate relationship to the church. Scripture presents the church as Christ’s body and Christ as its head, emphasizing that he governs, sustains, and directs his people (for example, Eph. 1:22–23; Col. 1:18; Eph. 4:15–16; 5:23). The image includes both authority and organic connection: Christ is not only ruler over the church, but also the source of its life, growth, and unity. In conservative evangelical theology, this means the church belongs to Christ, must submit to his Word, and must not place any human leader in a position that rivals his supreme lordship. While traditions may differ in how they describe church structures and offices, orthodox Christians agree that Christ alone is the church’s ultimate head.