Introduction1
In the New Testament, the leaders of the local church are called overseers and elders. Although there are different Greek words for the position these two words describe, they are used interchangeably and as synonyms for one another. A more common term in today’s language for an overseer is ‘pastor,’ which comes unchanged from the Latin, meaning ‘shepherd.’
In parish communities, the word ‘pastor’ usually refers to a person who has been set apart from other elders for full-time ministry and is usually paid a salary for his work. As a result, the meaning of this designation may be misunderstood. In actuality, a full-time pastor is no more a pastor or shepherd than any other member of the congregation’s eldership; a pastor is not a separate office reserved for one or more paid persons. All members of the eldership are in fact overseers, or shepherds, or pastors; someone being paid a separate salary for this office is purely for practical reasons. Namely, if a church wants to invest in quality teaching, they understand that preparation for it cannot only be done when there is time left over from other daily obligations, since the task of teaching involves much more time and effort than the teaching session alone. For this reason, the Bible speaks of how those who labour in the Word and in teaching should be properly compensated. After all, a workman has earned his wages (1 Timothy 5:17–18).
The role & call of leaders
What then is the role of local church leaders? Speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, the apostle Paul says: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). As their name implies, the task of shepherds is to shepherd, that is, to take care of their flock. Given that their flock is the community in which God has placed them, we see that entering the pastoral ministry is done first and foremost by the call of God and is thus empowered by him. Pastoral ministry is therefore not just something you resort to if you cannot think of anything better to do or if no one else has been found for the position. Rather, you are called to the position, and the one who calls is God.
As a result of it being from God, the call towards shepherding is always discernible, a fact illustrated by how the church is required to confirm the call which God has given to the shepherd (Galatians 2:9). This dependence on the congregation means that shepherding is also a ministry of trust. After all, those who have been called by God to this office and whom the church has committed its trust to are called and empowered to care for the souls of the congregation. As the writer of Hebrews says, ‘Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you’ (Hebrews 13:17). What does watching over the souls of the congregation mean? In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about how God has presented his church with ministers to equip the saints, specifically for the building up of the church and for the coming of the kingdom of God. This will be done until all reach maturity and fullness of faith and knowledge of the Son of God (vv. 12–13).
The authority of leaders
As leaders of the church, shepherds have a position of authority, an authority which comes from God. This, however, does not mean exercising unlimited authority, for example ‘ruling as lords.’ Rather, God has set boundaries to the exercise of this authority, just as there are boundaries to a husband’s or a parent’s authority in the home, or to a ruler’s authority in society. Only God, as Creator and King of all, has final and absolute authority. Therefore, if any earthly power were to overstep its authority, it would be taking the place of God and rebelling against his decree. Such authorities are not to be submitted to or obeyed, instead we ought to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Although authority is often seen as oppressive or the exercising of arbitrary power today, the idea of authority originated with God. Because authority is based on God’s good and wise plan, it is therefore inherently something that is intended for the good of man. However, since sin has corrupted the exercise of authority, certain limits are therefore required for its use. In the church, therefore, pastors cannot act and behave just as they please. As Peter commands pastors in his first epistle, ‘be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock’ (1 Peter 5:2–3).
Supporting leaders
Many people may assume that because pastors have experience of various challenges in church life and a wealth of knowledge and skills through training and other research, they do not need support, help, or encouragement. This is not the case. For example, many pastors may suffer from insecurity, unhappiness, or lack of motivation, meaning that support and encouraging feedback from congregants can be very important to a pastor’s ministry. How then can congregations support their pastors so that they can, in the words of Hebrews, do their work ‘with joy’?
Firstly, to paraphrase the above passage from Hebrews, obedience to shepherds motivates them in their ministry (‘obey your leaders and submit to them’). This is not to say that shepherds cannot sometimes err and overstep their God-given authority, but it is to say that obedience is one of the most important motivators for them in serving ‘according to God’s pleasure.’
Secondly, the sharing of encouraging instances of spiritual growth greatly motivates shepherds. As John writes in 3 John 4, ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’ One of the most enjoyable things I have personally experienced in pastoral ministry is to see church members take steps of growth, growing stronger in their knowledge of God, carrying responsibility, witnessing, praying, building relationships, and enduring trials. It is amazing to see how the secret work of God within people slowly comes to light!
Thirdly, another important way of supporting leaders is prayer. Parishioners, pray for your shepherds so that they may do their work with joy and be able to work hard for you.
Fourthly, I would add asking for advice and, if necessary, receiving correction. When a shepherd disciplines a sheep, they do so in the knowledge that they carry responsibility for the overseeing of the condition of the sheep’s soul. It is therefore good to remember that shepherds not only preach, but sometimes also need to discipline and even rebuke members of their flock. When they do so, it is solely for the benefit of the souls of their sheep.
Finally, I would include general appreciation and respect for the office of shepherding. Paul writes at the end of 1 Thessalonians, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (5:12–13).
Summary
Shepherds are God’s gift to the church, and their role as leaders is to shepherd the flock, to watch over the souls of the church members so that they may be equipped and grow into mature and full-fledged followers of Jesus and builders of his church. God has entrusted shepherds with authority and control, not to be used arbitrarily, but so that in their position they might set a healthy example to others of what it means to lead according to God’s will.
