Church Power Grabs Exposed: Christ, Not Man, Is in Charge

Who’s really in charge—God or man? Church power grabs have plagued Christianity for centuries, putting leaders on pedestals while sidelining Christ’s authority. From popes demanding allegiance to pastors twisting scripture for control, these power plays aren’t new—and they’re not biblical. The King James Bible sets the standard: Romans 14:11 says, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Christ alone deserves our allegiance—not man. Yet churches often demand blind loyalty, elevating man over God. At Truth Matters, we’re exposing this false teaching for what it is: a distortion of the Truth. Let’s unpack what the KJV says about leadership, authority, and who’s truly in charge—because truth matters, and your faith should be in God alone (2 Tim 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”).

KJV Evidence: Christ’s Authority, Not Man’s

Leaders Serve, Not Rule

Matthew 20:25-26 sets the tone: “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Leaders in the church are taught to be servants, not overlords. John 13:14 reinforces this: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Christ modeled humility, not dominance.

No Lords Over God’s Flock

1 Peter 5:2-3 instructs the elders: “Feed the flock of God… Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” Leaders aren’t to “lord” over believers—they’re to lead by example, pointing to Christ. When leaders demand blind loyalty or elevate themselves, they’re defying God’s design. Acts 20:29 warns, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” False leaders prey on the flock—they don’t protect it.

Christ Alone Is Head (Current Dispensation)

Ephesians 5:23 declares, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Christ, not man, is the head—any leader claiming ultimate authority usurps Christs’ role. Colossians 1:18 adds, “And he is the head of the body, the church… that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Power grabs steal Christ’s preeminence, putting man in His place.

Historical Context: Power Grabs Through the Ages

Church power grabs aren’t new—they’re as old as Christianity itself. In the 4th century, the Roman Empire’s adoption of Christianity (under Constantine) gave bishops political clout, setting the stage for the Catholic Church’s dominance. By the Middle Ages, popes wielded near-absolute power—think Pope Innocent III (1198-1216), who claimed authority over kings and excommunicated dissenters. The sale of indulgences (pay for salvation) was a blatant power play, exploiting the masses for profit.

The Reformation (16th century) pushed back—Martin Luther called out the papacy’s corruption, but even Protestant churches fell into traps. Today, megachurch pastors often mirror the popes of old—demanding loyalty, building empires, and twisting scripture for control. Scandals like financial abuse (e.g., televangelist fraud cases in the 1980s) or spiritual manipulation (e.g., “don’t question the man of God”) show the pattern persists. Philippians 2:3 warns, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” When churches prioritize power over service, they betray Christ’s model. It’s time to return to God’s authority, not man’s.

Takeaway: Bow to Christ, Not Man

Church power grabs put man in charge—but the KJV says Christ is (Col 1:18). Truth matters, and this false teaching distorts it. Bow to Christ’s authority, not human control (Eph 5:23). Study the Word for yourself (2 Tim 2:15) to know who’s really in charge. And remember, as 1 Timothy 2:5 states: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” Period.

Explore more of what Truth Matters has to offer by clicking here! Discover more false teachings here. Read any of our previous blogs from this series: “Prosperity Gospel Exposed” or “Hell Fear Tactic Exposed” or “Self-Help Faith Exposed”.

Wear your faith with our Scripture t-shirts, Scripture hoodies, and other Bible Verse clothing. Then dive deeper with our verse-by-verse KJV Bible Study ebooks.

Follow us on X, TikTok, or Instagram—unpacking KJV truth daily.

Has a church leader you know overstepped? Share in the comments or hit us on X with #TruthMatters #KJV #BibleTruth. Let’s honor Christ alone.