Articles
Shepherding the Flock of God
In 1 Peter 5:1-4 we read of the elders and the flock {church} of God.1 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: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.Many hours is spent weekly by elders in shepherding the flock of God. Elders happily give their talent, time, and energy in shepherding the flock of God. As a member of the congregation you can do much by praying for them and their family.
In the above four verses we find all four Greek words that describe the work of elders. {1}Presbuteros, translated elders which places emphasis upon the authority that the leadership has to teach or rule the church. {2}Poimen, translated shepherds which places emphasis up the responsibility of the leadership of the church to shepherd the flock. {3}Episkopos, which is translated overseer which emphasizes the fact that the leadership is charged with overseeing the local church and as such is responsible for the spiritual well being of those in the church.
In Acts 20:28 God says to elders, the Scriptures says, 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Elders are to take seriously the work which they have been appointed to do in light of the fact that the Lord purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). As shepherds of ALL the flock,elders are to love and care for the poor and rich, young and old, and no matter what social standing one hold in the community. As shepherds they regard the tenderest of the flock as much as the strongest of the fold. As much as humanly possible they desire to know ALL the flock and each one’s unique character, needs, dangers, and welfare. A happy church is one where her elders are serious about shepherding ALL the flock.
Because elders are ordained of God the church members are called upon to honor, love, and respect their elders. Acts 20:28 - 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-1312 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. The Scriptures even call on members to obey and submit to their elders’ teaching and leadership. Hebrews 13:17 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. A happy church is one who loves and respects her elders so that they may serve with joy and not grief.
