MZ301

Under the Lordship of Christ

Who ultimately leads the Church

The Church belongs to Jesus Christ, and He alone is its Head. Scripture declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18), and that God has placed “all things under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church” (Ephesians 1:22–23). Leadership in the church does not originate with people, structures, or vision statements, but with the risen and reigning Christ.

All authority exercised within the church is therefore derived and accountable, not autonomous. Leaders serve under Christ by submitting to His Word, which is God-breathed and authoritative for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and by relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). The church is built on Christ as its cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–20), and leaders are stewards who must lead in obedience to Him, not according to personal preference or ambition (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).

Faithful leadership begins with surrender. When leaders submit themselves to the Lordship of Christ, the church is ordered rightly, authority is exercised humbly, and God’s purposes are advanced for His glory (Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 13:7).

Key Scriptures

• Matthew 28:18

• Ephesians 1:22–23

• Colossians 1:18

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17

• 1 Corinthians 4:1–2

• Hebrews 13:7

Authority, Responsibility, and Obedience

Delegated authority under God’s mission

Leadership in the church is a calling entrusted by God, not a position seized by ambition. Throughout Scripture, God assigns responsibility and grants the authority necessary to fulfill it. From creation, where humanity was commissioned to steward the earth (Genesis 1:28), to the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His followers with His authority to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20), God never commands without equipping.

All authority exercised in the church is delegated and limited. Leaders act as representatives, not rulers—serving under Christ’s lordship and in obedience to His Word. Jesus Himself modeled this pattern, submitting fully to the Father’s will and exercising authority through humble obedience (John 5:19; Philippians 2:8). In the same way, church leaders are entrusted with responsibility so they may faithfully serve God’s mission, relying on the Spirit’s power rather than personal control (Luke 10:19; Acts 1:8).

Faithful leadership holds authority and obedience together. Leaders are accountable to God for how they steward their influence, and they lead best when they exercise authority with humility, clarity, and a willingness to obey Christ above all else (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:5).

Key Scriptures

• Genesis 1:28

• Matthew 28:19–20

• Luke 10:19

• John 5:19

• Acts 1:8

• Philippians 2:8

• 1 Peter 5:5

Biblical Structure and Shared Oversight

Qualified leadership for the care of the Church

God has designed His Church to be led through qualified and accountable leaders, not merely willing or gifted individuals. In the New Testament, spiritual oversight is entrusted to elders whose lives demonstrate Christlike character, doctrinal faithfulness, and proven maturity. Scripture makes clear that leadership in the church is rooted first in who a person is, not what they can do (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). Elders are called to shepherd, teach, and guard the flock, leading by example under the authority of Christ and His Word (Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1–3).

This leadership is shared rather than centralized, expressed through a plurality of elders who serve in mutual submission and accountability. Alongside elders, Scripture appoints deacons—also required to meet clear moral and spiritual qualifications—to lead in service and care. Their faithfulness in character and conduct ensures the practical needs of the church are met with integrity, allowing prayer and the ministry of the Word to remain central (Acts 6:1–4; 1 Timothy 3:8–13).

Biblical leadership structure is not based on position or control, but on tested character, accountability, and stewardship. When leaders are appointed according to Scripture and serve faithfully within their God-given roles, the church is protected, strengthened, and built up toward unity and maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13).

Key Scriptures

• Acts 14:23

• 1 Peter 5:1–3

• 1 Timothy 3:1–13

• Titus 1:5–9

• Acts 6:1–4

• Ephesians 4:11–13

Stewards, Not Owners

Accountability, integrity, and trust

Leadership in the church is a sacred trust, not a personal possession. Everything entrusted to leaders—people, resources, time, authority, and influence—ultimately belongs to God. Scripture makes clear that leaders are stewards who will give an account to Him for how they serve and care for what has been placed in their hands (1 Corinthians 4:1–2; Hebrews 13:17).

Faithful stewards lead with integrity and transparency. They handle finances, decisions, and relationships in ways that are above reproach, rejecting self-promotion, control, or personal gain (2 Corinthians 8:20–21; Philippians 2:3–4). Accountability to God and to one another guards the church from misuse of power and preserves trust within the body (Ephesians 5:21).

Biblical leadership does not seek ownership or empire-building, but humble service. When leaders steward their responsibilities with faithfulness and humility, the church is protected, strengthened, and positioned to flourish for the glory of God (1 Peter 5:2–3).

Key Scriptures

• 1 Corinthians 4:1–2

• Hebrews 13:17

• 2 Corinthians 8:20–21

• Philippians 2:3–4

• Ephesians 5:21

• 1 Peter 5:2–3

Shepherding God’s People

Leading with compassion and presence

Spiritual leadership in the church is fundamentally pastoral and relational. Scripture calls leaders to shepherd God’s people with care, humility, and attentiveness, not through domination or distance, but through loving presence and faithful example (1 Peter 5:2–3). Leaders are entrusted with the spiritual well-being of others and are called to know, protect, and guide the flock as under-shepherds of Christ, the Chief Shepherd (John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4).

Faithful shepherds walk with people through seasons of joy, suffering, growth, and restoration. They lead with compassion, patience, and courage, reflecting the heart of Christ who laid down His life for the sheep (Psalm 23:1–4; Matthew 9:36). Shepherding leadership is measured not by visibility or efficiency, but by faithfulness, trust, and Christlike love formed in the lives of God’s people (1 Thessalonians 2:7–12).

Key Scriptures

• 1 Peter 5:2–4

• John 10:11

• Psalm 23:1–4

• Matthew 9:36

• 1 Thessalonians 2:7–12

Equipping for Mission

Developing and releasing others

Spiritual leaders are given to the church not to perform all ministry themselves, but to equip God’s people for the work of ministry. Scripture teaches that leaders exist to build up the body of Christ by developing others, activating spiritual gifts, and preparing the church to live on mission in every sphere of life (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7).

Faithful leadership is therefore measured by multiplication, not dependency. Leaders intentionally train, mentor, and entrust responsibility to others, raising up new leaders who can teach, serve, and carry the mission forward (2 Timothy 2:2). In the pattern of the early church, leaders pray, discern, and send people out in obedience to the Spirit, trusting God to work through those they release (Acts 13:2–3; Matthew 28:19–20).

When leaders equip rather than control, the whole body grows toward maturity, unity, and effectiveness in God’s mission. A healthy church is not built on the gifts of a few, but on the faithful participation of many, each serving according to the grace given by God (Ephesians 4:16).

Key Scriptures

• Ephesians 4:11–12, 16

• 1 Corinthians 12:4–7

• 2 Timothy 2:2

• Acts 13:2–3

• Matthew 28:19–20

Guarding Unity and Maturity

• Peace, reconciliation, and growth

• Spiritual leaders are entrusted with protecting the unity of the church and guiding God’s people toward maturity in Christ. Scripture calls leaders to actively preserve the unity of the Spirit through humility, patience, and love, recognizing that unity is a gift from God that must be guarded with care (Ephesians 4:1–3).

• Faithful leaders do not avoid conflict, nor do they inflame it. Instead, they address tension with wisdom and truth, pursue reconciliation, and model Christlike humility in relationships (Matthew 18:15–17; Philippians 2:1–4). By speaking the truth in love, leaders help the church grow beyond immaturity, division, and self-interest toward a shared life shaped by grace and peace (Ephesians 4:15–16).

• Guarding unity is not about maintaining surface harmony, but about cultivating deep spiritual health. When leaders shepherd conflict wisely and call the church toward maturity, the body is strengthened, relationships are restored, and Christ is made visible through a people bound together in love (Colossians 3:12–15; James 3:17–18).

Key Scriptures

• Ephesians 4:1–3, 15–16

• Matthew 18:15–17

• Philippians 2:1–4

• Colossians 3:12–15

• James 3:17–18

Faithful to Truth and Calling

Doctrine, discipline, and discernment

Spiritual leaders are entrusted with guarding the truth of the gospel and the spiritual health of the church. Scripture calls leaders to hold firmly to sound doctrine, teach with clarity and conviction, and correct error with courage and grace (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15). Faithful leadership protects the church from confusion, false teaching, and drift by remaining anchored to God’s Word.

This faithfulness also includes loving discipline and wise discernment. Leaders address sin and disorder not to shame or control, but to pursue restoration, holiness, and the good of the body (Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 6:1). Correction is practiced with humility, patience, and truth, reflecting the heart of Christ who disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:11).

Leadership in the church is further grounded in calling that is tested and affirmed. Scripture teaches that leaders are recognized by Christlike character and spiritual maturity, not ambition or charisma (1 Timothy 3:1–13). Through prayerful discernment and communal affirmation, faithful leaders help ensure that those entrusted with influence are rooted in integrity, truth, and obedience to Christ—for the long-term health of the church.

Key Scriptures

• Titus 1:9

• 2 Timothy 2:15

• Matthew 18:15–17

• Galatians 6:1

• Hebrews 12:11

• 1 Timothy 3:1–13