WHERE IS THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?

 While Jesus was upon the earth he told his apostles, "I will build my church" and he referred to that church as "the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:18-19). The apostle Paul wrote, speaking of Christ, that he is "the king of kings, and Lord of lords" ( I Timothy 6:15). Again Paul wrote of Christ by saying, "And he is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18). Paul also stated, "For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). Jesus is "the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18). Then Jesus speaking of himself said, "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). These passages all reveal Christ's relationship to his church.

 Therefore, since Christ is the head of His church, the King over His kingdom, and has all authority, it seems natural for the headquarters of His church to be where He abides. THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS IN HEAVEN. Christ reigns on His throne in heaven and has already made all the decisions, concerning church matters. These decisions are revealed in the New Testament, the only authority the church has today.

 The churches of Christ have no headquarters on earth. Each congregation is autonomous or self-ruled. Each one when scripturally organized is overseen by a plurality of elders. These men must meet the qualifications of (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Yet, these men do not have any authority to change the doctrine of Christ, or to make any rules or regulations separate and apart from the New Testament.     ---Charles E. Burch