The role of the shepherd is vitally important for the church of God. But how must a shepherd tend to his sheep? The answer to this question has many variables and could never be summed up in a short amount of time. Nevertheless, the Bible speaks about the matter; therefore, the Christian must speak about the matter as well.
The role of the shepherd can be seen in the book of Genesis as the early believers tended to their flock. Many of the leading figures of the Bible were said to be shepherds. When the brothers of Joseph went before Pharaoh, they told Pharaoh they were shepherds. Abel was a shepherd and offered to God the best of his flock. Before God called David to be the king of Israel, he was a lowly shepherd nobody would have expected to be a king.
Later in the Old Testament, God uses the imagery of the shepherd to depict the leaders of Israel and their role in leading the rest of the people properly. God speaks of Himself as a Shepherd, and later we are told that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
Finally, we can see in Scripture that the pastoral role within a church is deemed to be a shepherding role. It is on this last point that the present article finds its focus. What instruction is given to the shepherd of the church?
Peter can help us to gain some clarity.
Feed the flock
The shepherd must be one who can feed the flock. Scripture says, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you…” (KJV, 1 Pet. 5:1-2). Here we see that a crucial role of the shepherd is to feed the flock of God.
Psalm 23 tells us that God, our Shepherd, makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us by still waters, thereby restoring our souls. Likewise, when the Christian is adequately fed, it will restore his soul. Thus, he will be strengthened for the days ahead.
Paul tells us, “A bishop then must be… apt to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). It is a nonnegotiable element that a shepherd must be able to teach. Jeremiah tells us that he found the words of God, and he ate them and that after he ate them, they became the joy and delight of his heart. The Word of God brings life to the believer. Therefore, the shepherd must be able to expound upon the world of God and help the believer to understand its contents.
Take oversight
The shepherd must also recognize the position in which he has been called. Peter says, “…taking the oversight thereof…” (1 Pet. 5:2). To exercise oversight is to walk in one’s authority. As time progresses, the word authority is becoming shunned and disregarded among the people of the earth. But should the Christian expect anything less?
From the beginning, God had established authority in the Garden, but God’s authoritative structure was turned on its head. Now we see the ramifications of the fall. Generally, people do not like authority. But authority is not a man-made concept. Instead, authority is rooted in the Trinity.
We can see that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in their essence and nature. However, they are not equal in their authority. The Father exercises authority over the Son and the Spirit. This can be seen in the Father sending the Spirit and the Son and the Son submitting to the Father’s will. The Son exercises authority over the Spirit but not the Father. This can be seen in the Son sending the Spirit and giving the Spirit commands but not the Father. Finally, the Spirit does not exercise authority over the Father or the Son but does what the Father and Son command.
Authority is good, and the shepherd must embrace his authoritative role to fulfill his duties as God would desire.
Willing service
Peter continues to tell us that the shepherd must be willing in his service. Scripture says, “Not by constraint” (1 Pet. 5:2). Thus the shepherd must perform his duties like Jesus. When Jesus came to the earth, He came to feed His sheep. He also came to walk in his authority while at the same time doing the Father’s will. Nevertheless, Jesus’ service was willing.
The heart of the shepherd is essential and is addressed in the matter of willing service. When Jesus came to the earth, He came as the Good Shepherd. Jesus told us that the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. One of the crucial elements of the sacrifice of Christ is that His sacrifice was a willing sacrifice.
There were many instances in the Bible when people offered up another as a sacrifice, which was not pleasing to God. But when God looked upon the heart of His Son and saw the willingness of Jesus to die in place of sinners, God was pleased with the Son and honored His work on the cross.
Good motives
Peter would also desire that the shepherd’s motives would be pure. There is much money to be had in the church. Peter tells us, “…not for filthy lucre…” (1 Pet. 5:2). The role of the shepherd can become a job rather than a calling. The shepherd must guard his heart against the love of money. Jesus said that it is impossible for someone to serve two masters. If someone tries to serve two masters, he will find that he hates God and loves money. The only way to love God is with an undivided heart. When sin is allowed in, it will take over the whole of a man.
Eager service
Instead the service of the shepherd must be characterized by eagerness. The role of the shepherd can become burdensome and weary. But Peter says that the shepherd must, “…be of a ready mind” (1 Pet. 5:2). Thus, the shepherd must be passionate about what he is doing. Elsewhere Paul says, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Col 1:28-29). Here we can see the passion of Paul. Paul desired to preach, warn, and teach, striving with the energy that God worked within him.
Paul was a man who served the Lord eagerly and has been laid down as a remarkable example for the Christian to follow. While shepherds are met with great hardship, it should be noted that Paul was as well. Therefore, looking at the life of Paul can prove to be helpful. Even this amazing man of God said that he did not lose heart because the ministry he had been given was given to him through the mercy of God.
Good example
Finally, Peter leaves us with these words, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). This verse must be broken down into two parts. The first part tells us that the shepherd should not lord it over his flock. However, earlier, we were told that the shepherd must walk in his authority. How do these two pieces of information unite?
The answer can be seen in the second part of the verse. Peter tells us that the shepherd must be an example to his flock. Therefore, the shepherd’s primary way to exercise his authority is not by lording it over his flock but by being a good example. A Shepherd will often lead from the front. The sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and see the shepherd’s direction and follow in his footsteps.
The shepherd must learn that if he desires to lead his flock in a way that honors God, he must learn to be a good example to the flock. Scripture tells us that there are two primary ways that a person will learn. The first is through direct command, “Do this. Don’t do that.” The second is by way of example. Sometimes it can be hard to apply the Bible in real-life situations. When there is an example, the application is made easier.
Final prayer
Father I thank You for Your Word. Please help me to honor You as I seek to walk according to Your Word this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.