Head of the Church

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Head of the Church is a title in the New Testament for Jesus. In Catholic teaching, Jesus is the invisible (Heavenly) Head, while the Pope is the visible (Earthly) Head. Because of this, many Catholics call the Pope the Vicar of Christ. Supporting verses include Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:19, Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 4:15, and Ephesians 5:23.

During the English Reformation, Henry VIII chosen as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, later changed by Elizabeth I to Supreme Governor.

In Presbyterian and Reformed churches, the Westminster Standards describe church government with teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elders, and courts led by Moderators who sit “primus inter pares” (first among equals). This emphasizes that Christ alone is the head of the church.

The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 25, Article 6) states there is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ, and that the Pope cannot be its head.

In Evangelical writing, the idea of a Visible Head vs. an Invisible Head is often challenged as not clearly grounded in Scripture. Evangelicals typically emphasize sola scriptura and aim to harmonize beliefs about Christ and the Church through the Bible.