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.

The Christian pastor should not fail to minister into the personal lives of his people. The pastor’s calling gives him the privilege of being with his people during some of the most important times of their lives. Whether it is birth, conversion, baptism, marriage or death, the pastor must fulfill his role as the shepherd of the sheep. In all these circumstances he is the representative of Christ to his people.

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15 ESV) The shepherd/pastor also ministers to his flock by feeding them the Word of God, structuring worship, and overseeing the church administration. He must “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV) He must be the model of Christ to his congregation. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)

A church is truly blessed if it has a good pastor!