Shepherd of the Flock

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:1-3 ESV)

In the verses above, Peter urges pastors to care for God’s flock like a shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). Caring is sharing in the joys and burdens of the individual members of the congregation: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Biblical pastoral care requires not only knowledge of the Scriptures, but also an active caring concern for the spiritual welfare of each member of the congregation.