Jesus Christ is at the vertex of the organization of the church, as its head and founder.

The churches of Christ are autonomous and honor Christ as the only head of the church. Though they have a common faith, worship, organization and way of life with all the others churches of Christ in the world, they do not have a world center and no church prevails upon the others. The force they have in common is their love for God and His word.

The churches of Christ do not have a specific hierarchy, but rather all believers share an equality amongst themselves, just as Christ wanted. The gospel teaches us that there should not be a certain class of people who monopolize the functions of the church, on the contrary who wishes to rule, must become a servant to everyone “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11)

For the work of the church to be effective, the gospel speaks of “leaders”: these are the “bishops” or “elders” or “pastors” who have the mission of promoting respect for the word of God, of nurturing the church and of being examples to the flock entrusted in their care “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager, to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (I Peter 5:2,3) and who, among other prerequisites, must also be married and have believing children “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (I Timothy 3:5)

The gospel speaks also of “deacons”, coworkers with the elders, who lend their service toward assistance and support within the church family. They also have specific biblical requisites: “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”(I Timothy 3:8-9)

Other responsible leaders are the “evangelists” or “preachers”, who have the calling to preach both outside and within the community of the church. The term “priest” is used in the scriptures to indicate each individual christian and not a class of people. “..you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:5)

The church of Christ was established almost two thousand years ago and today has the same organization, the same guide for our faith, the same worship and the same criteria for acceptance as the church of the first century.