Encouragement for Shepherds of the Flock of God

What Peter reminded elders of Jesus' church.

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Peter served as one of the elders of a local church, and he urged other elders who watched over other local churches to be the kind of shepherds the “Chief Shepherd” wanted them to be.

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

At the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ (where I preach), we are blessed with four godly men who serve as our elders. Without them and their role, the Lord’s body cannot be all He wants it to be.

The elders - or shepherds - have a vital role in the local church. The kind of shepherds they are will have a tremendous impact on the body of Christ.

Be a loving shepherd.

Peter urges the elders to “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” This is also translated as “Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you” (NET Bible).

Shepherds lovingly focus on the needs and concerns of the “flock among” them - they watch over a single church.

The Lord is a loving shepherd who carefully attends to the needs of His sheep (Psalm 23). Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). He stands between His sheep and danger (John 10:12-13). He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him (John 10:14-15).

Elders follow the Chief Shepherd's example in loving care for His flock.

Be a willing shepherd.

Peter also reminds elders that they serve “as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly.” They should not begrudgingly “do their duty” but be willing to serve the Lord’s church in this way.

A man forced or “guilted” into serving (or continuing to serve) as an elder may do his duty as a shepherd, but he will see the work as a burden. He might even regret serving as an elder.

A man must “desire” (1 Timothy 3:1) to serve as an elder - or shepherd - of the Lord’s church. Being a shepherd is a highly challenging role - it must be something a qualified Christian man is willing to volunteer for he is to be the kind of shepherd the Chief Shepherd wants him to be.

Be an eager shepherd.

Peter reminds elders of what their motives should be when he writes they were to serve “not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” Vincent’s Word Studies point out that “willingly” is not a strong enough translation. It’s more the idea of “zeal” or a “ready mind.”

Someone’s motives can be good - and it’s also entirely possible for someone’s motives to be bad. Peter is addressing the motivation behind why an elder should be serving.

Paul told Timothy to avoid individuals “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:5).

A shepherd’s reason for serving must not be what he can get out of his position but rather what he can give the church through his position.

Be a serving shepherd.

Finally, Peter reminded elders not to be “lords over those entrusted to you” but to be “examples to the flock.” This doesn’t mean that elders don’t have the authority to make decisions. It means elders shouldn’t abuse their authority and force what they want on everyone else.

The Greek word for “lord over” is used in a few other places to refer to how world leaders enforce their wishes upon others (Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42). It’s also used in Acts 19:16 when a man with evil spirits leaped on and overpowered other men. Diotrephes “lorded over” the church (3 John 9-10).

Peter cautions elders against abusing the authority the Chief Shepherd has given them. Instead, they must imitate the example of the Lord, who came as a servant (John 13:12-17).

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There is no denying that the elders’ job as shepherds is a challenging one. Peter knows this through experience, but he also comforts faithful shepherds.

When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

The Chief Shepherd sees the elders' stressful meetings about sheep who have wandered away. The Chief Shepherd knows the elders' sleepless nights when facing an important decision for the flock.

What a welcome and reward awaits those faithful shepherds from the Chief Shepherd!

I hope you will take the time to encourage your shepherds today!