Tags: Jesus the first pastor of the true church, Bishop of our souls, Good Shepherd, Jesus the founder of the church, Church not founded on Peter, King James Bible
In a time when many trace the origin of their church back to famous apostles, religious councils, or ecclesiastical traditions, it is critical to return to the pure authority of the King James Bible. Therein lies the truth about the true Church of the living God. This church was not founded centuries after Jesus ascended, nor was it built upon any mortal man—not even Peter. The true Church was birthed during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ Himself, who is the Good Shepherd, the Bishop of our souls, and the Chief Cornerstone. He is the first and only true Pastor of the Church that belongs to Him.
Let us explore from Scripture how Jesus—not Peter, not any pope, not any denomination—is the true origin and continual head of the Church.
1. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd – The True Pastor of His Church
The word "pastor" means "shepherd." It speaks of one who leads, feeds, and protects the flock. Long before anyone bore the official title of “pastor,” Jesus Christ was already performing that very role for His followers.
John 10:11 KJV
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
Jesus is not a hired hand. He is the Owner of the flock, and He has proven it by laying down His life for His sheep. Any man who stands behind a pulpit is not the chief pastor—he is but an under-shepherd, accountable to the Great Shepherd.
Hebrews 13:20 KJV
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant..."
He is not just a shepherd; He is the great Shepherd, whose care and authority surpass all others. In every sense of the word, Jesus is the first Pastor—the Shepherd of souls.
2. Jesus Is the Bishop of Our Souls – Not a Pope or Priest
Some religious systems place bishops and hierarchies over the people. But the Bible clearly reveals who the true Bishop is:
1 Peter 2:25 KJV
"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
The word "bishop" in the New Testament refers to an overseer—one who watches and guides the souls of the people. Peter himself pointed believers not to himself, but to Jesus as their Bishop. Christ alone holds the eternal, divine office of Bishop over every believer.
This is a powerful declaration: Jesus watches over your soul. No earthly figure can take that role. He is sufficient.
3. Jesus Built His Own Church – Not on Peter, but on the Truth of Who He Is
The passage often misinterpreted to support Peter as the foundation of the Church is Matthew 16:18:
Matthew 16:18 KJV
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Let’s be clear. Jesus did not say, “I will build My church on you, Peter.” He said, “upon this rock.” What is "this rock"? Just one verse earlier, Peter confessed:
Matthew 16:16 KJV
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
That confession—not the man—is the rock. The church is built upon the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior. The Apostle Paul confirms this when he wrote:
1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
No church can claim legitimacy unless it is built upon Christ alone. Not Peter. Not tradition. Not councils. Not doctrines of men.
4. Jesus Is the Chief Cornerstone – The Foundation of the Church
The cornerstone is the most important stone in a structure. It aligns everything else. In the spiritual building of God’s people, Jesus is that cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:20 KJV
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."
Yes, the apostles and prophets had a part, but Jesus is the cornerstone. Without Him, the whole structure collapses. This verse shows that the Church is not merely a product of apostolic succession but of divine construction, with Christ as its living foundation.
Psalm 118:22 KJV
"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
Peter himself later affirmed this truth:
1 Peter 2:6-7 KJV
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."
Even Peter points to Jesus—not to himself—as the cornerstone.
5. The Church Began During Christ’s Earthly Ministry – Not After His Ascension
Contrary to what some teach, the Church did not start at Pentecost or later in the centuries through human organization. The true Church was formed when Jesus called out His disciples, trained them, and instituted ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Matthew 4:19 KJV
"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Luke 6:13 KJV
"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"
They baptized believers (John 3:22), observed the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26–28), and were taught church discipline (Matthew 18:17). These were not simply scattered followers—they were a gathered assembly, the very definition of “church.”
Pentecost was the day the Holy Spirit empowered the church, not the day it was created. The body was already there; the power came later.
6. Jesus Is the Head of the Church – Not a Man or Religious Institution
No pope, no bishop, no man can ever truly be the head of the Church. That position belongs to Christ alone.
Colossians 1:18 KJV
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
Preeminence means “first place.” In everything, Christ must be first. Any church that puts a man above Christ has ceased to be the true Church.
Ephesians 5:23 KJV
"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."
No clearer words exist. Christ is both head and saviour. Not Peter. Not tradition. Not denominational founders.
Conclusion: Jesus Alone Is Enough
Let us return to the Bible, not tradition. To Christ, not creeds. The King James Bible reveals plainly that Jesus is the true Pastor, Bishop, Founder, Cornerstone, and Head of His Church.
He called it “my church” because it was never meant to belong to any man or institution.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."
Jesus started it. Jesus sustains it. And Jesus will present it to Himself one day as a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27 KJV).
If your church is founded upon Jesus Christ, built on His Word, and submits to His authority—then you are part of the true Church of the living God. Not because of history or labels, but because of faith in the One who said:
John 14:6 KJV
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
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