Another Look at Consensus in the Church
In certain movements within the Church, it is currently in vogue to criticize church leaders for usurping the Headship of Christ. I agree that, generally speaking, this is a valid criticism. But the more accurate statement would be that human beings, church leaders and people alike, are very guilty of usurping the Headship of Christ in the Church – and numerically speaking there are more people than church leaders doing so.
I am absolutely for the Headship of Christ in the Church – it is my passion. I just don’t think that the Headship of Christ is contrary to leadership in the Church. The 1st century Church demonstrated that apostolic workers, local church leaders, as well as the people of the local church, can all be in unison and harmony as the one Body of Christ, agreeing on the will of Christ in the Church.
The issue is the Headship of Christ – not whether leaders get to “push their weight around” and “run the show”. Nor is it about whether all the people get the opportunity to “share what’s on their hearts” and “have their say”. The issue is the pre-eminence of Christ (Colossians 1:18) and “hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches”. (Revelation 2 & 3)
