A Newsletter of Biblically Balanced Ministries, Inc.
Shepherds Who Are
True Shepherds (May 1998)
Shepherds caring for sheep is the picture God has given us of pastors and overseers. The picture today is different. Often pastors are looking to be specialists in teaching, counseling or administrating. People in the churches are looking for dynamic communicators who can draw people through creativity or a variety of other
characteristics. So what is the function of a pastor or elder?
Character is often seen as the essential to qualification for leadership. 1 Timothy 3 is one of the key passages emphasizing the importance of character required for leadership. However don't overlook the opening verse,
"If a man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to
do." Note it is the work that he desires.
What is this work? The apostle Paul defines the work in Acts 20:17-38. A key word is "Shepherd." The picture is one of a tender compassionate leader. Paul's description is not single focused but multi focused.
First, the pastor or overseer is to be one who
STANDS UP as one "on guard" (Acts 20:28). He is one who is on guard for his character and relationship to the Lord. Not only is he on guard for himself but also for the flock as an overseer. A pastor or elder provides protection for the sheep by equipping them with the
"whole armor of God." The pastor is to "equip the saints for the work of
ministry." Today some pastors would like to focus only on the function of a teacher. However, the scriptures don't stop with this responsibility.
Second, we need to have overseers who
GATHER IN as a "shepherd." A shepherd leads the sheep. He does not drive them. Cattle must be driven from behind but sheep are called by name. The pastor is to be one who is concerned not just to feed but to "enfold" the sheep. A character quality required of leaders is to be "hospitable" or welcoming of people. A balanced pastor not only cares about feeding the sheep but also meeting the needs of the sheep. He gathers in the sheep to care and protect.
A shepherd LOOKS OUT for the sheep. He is watchful not slothful in his concern for the sheep. Paul worked
"night and day for a period of three years." The pastorate or church leadership is no place for people who want to have prescribed schedules. Shepherds need to be there for the people.
Fourth, we need shepherds who
BUILD UP people by commending them "to God and to the word of His
grace." A personal observation in consulting with churches is that what people in the church need today is to be built up not put down. We need to preach the
"whole counsel of God" without compromise. However, the whole counsel needs to be presented with an emphasis on the
"word of HIS GRACE."
Up to this point most pastors have a relative sense of comfort. Many churches today have come to accept that this about sums up the pastor or elder role. However, there is one more key function of the pastor or elder.
Last, but certainly not least, the shepherd is to GO OUT and find the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). The exhortation to Pastor Timothy was
"do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim. 4:3). Diversity in spiritual gifts does not relieve us of the responsibility to be witnesses. Pastors and overseers need to realize shepherding the sheep among us does not release us from going out to find the lost sheep.
The church today needs pastors and leaders who realize the delicate balance needed to
"Stand Up, Gather In, Look Out, Build Up and Go Out." One might quickly respond by saying "This is an overwhelming and impossible expectation." True, except let us not forget we serve the God of the impossible and He has given us the power of His Holy Spirit that
"in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved
us" (Rom. 8:37). The need is "Shepherds who are True Shepherds."
by Gary R. Becker, President
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