What does it mean to have preeminence in the church?

Having preeminence in the church is often marked by a desire for status and recognition, which is fundamentally opposed to the humility taught by Jesus. John warns against Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence (3 John 1:9), a stark contrast to Christ’s example of servanthood. In true Christian community, positions and gifts are meant to equip and edify rather than elevate oneself. Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4:11-12 that spiritual gifts are given for the building up of the body, not for personal glory. Recognizing that we are all unworthy sinners helps combat the self-exaltation that can permeate the church, reminding us that glory belongs solely to Christ.