The Role of Shepherd’s

In this study we shall seek to understand this most important subject in as brief a manner as possible. Having an understanding the role of shepherd’s is something that every member of the body of Christ needs to possess. Such is needed so that those who would serve in this capacity might better understand exactly their duties toward the flock of God, so that the membership of the local congregation might know what to look for when seeking out those who would lead the local church. Therefore in order to ensure that a proper understanding about this extremely vital part of the local body is understood we shall seek to establish what the Biblical text states concerning these men who serve in this role. Let us begin by noticing the sort of thing that Shepherds do.

As Anderson points out in his book “They smell like sheep”, Shepherds are portrayed in the Biblical text as possessing three fundamental characteristics. They are known as “Shepherding, Mentoring and Equipping the saints.” As we seek to understand these three characteristics in greater detail let it be made known that this author wholly appreciates and defends the role and authority of these men called “Shepherds.” Many feel that such a work as this is compiled that the author must not have respect for the role and authority of the Eldership, nothing could be further from the truth. This writer seeks to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent. With this understanding laid forth let us begin to understand these characteristics at hand.

Shepherding

Of the three characteristics presented Shepherding holds first place among the three that we’ve mentioned thus far.  The importance of the shepherding model in the whole of the Bible is referenced in a manner that leaves the reader with no other conclusion but that it is one the most important models in all of Scripture cf. (Isa.  40:11; Ps 23; Jer. 50:6; Ezek. 34:2,4-5, 23-24; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2-4; Jn 10.  The analogy of the shepherd is not only a powerful cultural vehicle for those who live around sheep; it continues to hold its power even in today’s cyber-world.  Anderson forcefully demonstrates that no “modern” analogy can better explain or describe the role of a leader:

This is the essence of spiritual leadership: sheep following a shepherd because they know and trust him. This kind of trust and allegiance can be gained only one way – by a shepherd touching his sheep, carrying them, handling them, teaching them, tending them, feeding them to the extent that he smells like them. (pg. 17.)

For a shepherd to exist there must be a flock, without such a shepherd cannot exist.  Those who are called leaders in the church must not simply be people with a title.  True leaders in the church must have a work that generates a loyal following to Christ through their personal hands on concern for the brethren. Just like Jesus, a model shepherd will of necessity smell like sheep.

Therefore, a shepherd is one who is continually developing relationships with those under his care in the local congregation. A shepherd must make every effort possible to know every member under the care of the Eldership. If a shepherd is unwilling to be available, possess a strong commitment, and demonstrate trustworthiness, he cannot develop good relationships.  As Anderson well points out, “Biblical leaders know faces and names and personal stories.” (pg. 26).

Sadly, some of the examples of leadership that exist among us do not represent the ideal revealed by God. Having such improper types of leadership distance leaders from those who need to be led.  There are many unbiblical styles of leadership that will help to illustrate this point very clearly. Notice what Anderson states about this.

The Hired Hand model can be quickly rejected by a look at John 10:12. There can be no acceptable leadership that is impersonal and uncaring. Neither a Cowboy approach that drives rather than leads nor a Sheriff model that would “lord it over the flock” can be given any encouragement in the church  (Matt. 20:25-26). Similarly, the modernized Pop-Manager with a heavy reliance on business gurus rather the Bible is also excluded (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The CEO/Chairman of the Board as a closed-door, memo-dispensing, edict announcing machine should also be denied any leadership position among the people of God (Acts 20:28-31).

Admittedly, however, proper shepherding has become increasingly more difficult in our modern, time challenged world. Shepherding today requires ingenuity. The challenges can, however, be met as leaders seek every way possible to see to it that they smell like sheep.

Mentoring

The biblical model of leadership also has a strong element of mentoring. Positive mentors are needed because, among other reasons, if we do not have them negative ones will be found by default. Notice again how Anderson illustrates this point, “We naturally tend to become like important figures in our lives – even when we would rather not.” (pg. 50).

Jesus was a mentor. He warned his disciples against following examples of leaders who “lord it over,” but encouraged people to follow the way He “…did not come be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:25-28) This same warning is just as applicable today as it was then. No congregation is obligated to follow those shepherds “lord it over” the flock.  Paul, likewise, encouraged brethren to follow his example as he followed Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).  Peter told elders to be “examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).  Elders who forbid to preach and teach and do the things that they require of others certainly are not leading the way God requires them too. Mentoring is fundamental to good leadership.

The Job of mentoring will be best accomplished by what Anderson calls “Winsome Mentors” (pg. 60). Webster defines “winsome” as “generally pleasing and engaging.” Such leaders as this will be easier to follow. When strength and faithfulness are added to the winsome quality in mentors, they become the kind of people who can instruct effectively and inspire hope in followers. The faith cannot be passed on properly when there are no leaders to mentor.

Equippers

How many times have people dropped out or their affliliation with a local congregation because they never quite fit in the first place? Equippers see to it that people have every opportunity to find their niche and develop their talents. As Anderson puts it, “Churches that grow help their people find places to serve and help them get the needed skills” (pg. 81). Saints are to be “equipped for of service” (Eph. 4:12).

A very important observation is made on this point by the author of “They Smell Like Sheep.” “Many churches…tend to emphasize Bible knowledge to the neglect of the actual skills required to do ministry.  Teaching tends to focus on ‘what to believe’ rather than on ‘how to serve’. (pg. 83). Leadership has an agenda from God that requires proper equipping of Christians.  The idea behind all of this is to promote growth in numbers, in spirituality, and in relationships, is right on target (cf. Eph. 4:11-16). Through matching different ministries to the individual talents of the members, churches can be powerfully equipped for service. Through letting those who are equipped become equippers themselves, the benefit of equipping grows dramatically (2 Tim. 2:2).

Anderson is also solidly on Biblical ground when he speaks to the point of equipping through the “shared life.” A quotation from John Maxwell captures the thought, “We teach what we know, but reproduce what we are” (pg. 100). Looking to Jesus leads to a variety of helpful observations in this regard.

Frequent and long term contact is needed if the equipping process is to work then warm and loving relationships should develop (John 13:1ff).. The honest exposure of emotions will demonstrate how we care and how we are willing to be part of the lives of others (John 11:35). A variety of shared experiences provide the best equipping situations. A life of integrity cannot be over estimated for those who would equip others. (Heb. 4:15). The ability to properly balance time between addressing problems and developing a congregation’s potential describes another very important equipping skill. Equipping is clearly a varied role that relies heavily on what a person has first chosen to become. It is not wonder the place of a leader in the church is one requiring stringent personal qualifications (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). These personal requirements are given special attention in the following section.

The Sort of People They Are

The second major division of Lynn Anderson’s book concentrates on the kind of people who serve in the capacity of leaders, most especially those who would be elders. The first part of the book dealt with what leaders do; this section concentrates on what leaders are. Anderson stresses the importance of character because people in need seek out people of integrity. A leader is not sought out is no real leader. There are three Greek words used to describe elders as we’ve shown in previous sections. Shepherding, Mentoring, and Equipping have a definite association with the terms, elder, shepherd and overseer (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter. 5:1-4). In order to shepherd, mentor and equip an elder must be experienced (elder), a protector and care-giver (shepherd), and a guide and leader (overseer).

The individual qualities of elders that Paul gives in 1Timothy and Titus serve to spell out more specifically just who elders are. Anderson makes and excellent point here when he suggests that we seek the “qualifications” of these passages more in terms of “qualities.” It is absolutely necessary that these qualities be present in those who seek to serve in this capacity.

The further development of an elder’s character finds the author expressing many useful thoughts. As men of experience, elders have a wide range of qualities that have been gained over time. They have a general experience with life that has taught them about people, proven their ability to function well under pressure, and a developed sense of gentleness in responding to unfair and harsh criticism. Qualified elders have both spent time with Jesus, and have gotten to know how the devil operates.  They have had much experience in the Word of God so that they can be balanced between the need to be positive and the need to be negative. Experienced men have had time to be around their own families and develop relationships and management skills that will well serve the church. In their experiences of life elders have learned to love God, the people of God, and those who do not know God. In each case, they have opened their homes in loving hospitality to welcome God and man.

As men of Character elders are to be men of consistency, self-control, and courage. They have avoided being taken captive by base influences and they have disciplined themselves to godliness. They have courage to develop and maintain biblical convictions.

As men of vision, elders are those who will lead with boldness. They dream and bring others into their dreams. Overseers are flexible in matters of judgment, yet firm in the faith. With vision, elders personally welcome those who would share the vision.  They pursue growth, know how to delegate, absorb hostility, and deal with their own personal flaws constructively.

The operative question must not be, ‘What are we accustomed to?’ but, “What does the Bible say?’ Not, ‘What makes for efficient meetings?’ but, ‘What makes shepherding effective?’ Not. ‘What tidies up the schedule?’ but, ‘What raises up the sheep?’ After all, shepherding, mentoring and equipping define the central biblical role of elders. Decision making, having meetings, and administrating – while they may have a place in implementing certain MINOR parts of the elders role – do not constitute biblical focus on God’s calling for shepherds. (pg. 175-17)

Conclusion

It must be understood by both you the reader and those who serve as leaders in the Lord’s church that the eldership has Authority inasmuch as the Biblical Text allows. They are not to “lord it over the flock” but rather be examples to them. They must not become power hungry for that would not be beneficial to God’s church. Each local congregation must also recognize that it as well has a responsibility to work with those men who have been ordained to such a position. The need for godly elders is of grave importance as is taught throughout the New Testament. Those men would dare enter this arena of leadership must be willing to spend and be spent in order to preserve the Truth that will set men free.  They must not govern for personal gain, power, or to establish their law, but rather they must maintain the Law of God, our final authority in all that we say and do. May those men who serve in this capacity lead by example and seek to “earnestly contend for the faith.” Jude 3

Adapted and Compiled by Josh Lifford

Works Cited:

“They Smell Like Sheep” A book by Lynn Anderson Reviewed by Edwin Jones.

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