Why Christ Must Be Preeminent in the Church

"And He is the head of the body, the church... that in all things He may have the preeminence."

Colossians 1:18

Christ Is Not a Guest in His Church

Last January, we began a sermon mini-series on the pre-eminence of Christ. At the heart of that series is one non-negotiable truth: Jesus Christ is the head of this church, and we are members of His body. To say that Christ is preeminent is to declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, Master, King, and Ruler over everything.

He is not a guest in His church. He is not an honored advisor standing off to the side while we make our own plans. He is the Head of the body. Colossians 1:18 says, "And He is the head of the body, the church... that in all things He may have the preeminence." That means Jesus must be first in every sermon preached, every song sung, every offering given, every ministry performed, and every activity carried out under the name of ShoutChurch.

A Church Must Be Aligned With Christ

As ShoutChurch, our purpose, mission, and vision can be summed up in one clear statement: to glorify God by sharing the gospel and living our faith out loud. That is not just a slogan. That is our calling. And if that is truly our calling, then everything that does not align with that mission must be abandoned.

This is where the church must be honest. We cannot claim that Christ is Lord while holding tightly to our own preferences, ambitions, and comforts. We cannot say Jesus is preeminent while building ministry around personality, tradition, or convenience. If Christ is truly first, then He has the right to direct everything.

A church that honors Christ does not ask, "What will attract the most attention?" It asks, "What brings the most glory to God?" A church that honors Christ does not bend itself to fit the spirit of the age. It submits itself to the truth of the Word of God.

Christ Must Be First in Our Lives Too

This truth is not only for the church as a whole. It is personal. If Jesus is Lord of the church, then He must also be Lord of our lives, our marriages, our families, our careers, our ambitions, and our future.

Many people are comfortable with a version of Christianity that asks for very little. They want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. They want forgiveness, but not surrender. They want comfort, but not obedience. But the gospel does not present Christ in pieces. He is both Savior and Lord.

To confess Jesus as Lord is to surrender our lives to His authority. It is to say, "Lord, my life is not my own. My plans are not my own. My future is not my own. I belong to You." That kind of surrender is not bondage. It is freedom, because the One who rules us is also the One who loves us and gave Himself for us.

The Hope of a Christ-Centered Church in Sierra Vista

In a world full of confusion, compromise, and spiritual drift, people need a church where Jesus is truly lifted high. They need a church where the Bible is preached, where prayer matters, where truth is spoken in love, and where lives are being transformed by the power of the gospel.

That is our prayer for ShoutChurch. We want to be a church that does not merely gather crowds, but makes disciples. We want to be a church that does not entertain people, but points them to Christ. We want to be a church where families are strengthened, children are taught the truth, the hurting are welcomed, and the name of Jesus is honored above every other name.

If you are searching for hope, for truth, for a church home, or for a place to grow in your walk with God, we invite you to come and worship with us. There is room for you here, and there is hope for you in Christ.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, we confess that You alone are the Head of the Church. Forgive us for the times we have tried to place other things in the center. Teach us to surrender fully to Your authority. Let every part of our church and every part of our lives be aligned with Your will. Make ShoutChurch a place where Your name is honored, Your Word is preached, and Your gospel is lived out boldly. Strengthen our families, renew our hearts, and help us glorify God by sharing the gospel and living our faith out loud. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Call to Action

If you are looking for a Christ-centered church in Sierra Vista, we invite you to join us at ShoutChurch. Come worship with us, grow in the Word, and be part of what God is doing in our community.