The Call to Shepherd Under the Chief Shepherd

Jesus defines shepherding and sets the pattern for all who serve. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Shepherding is cruciform care, grounded in the gospel and shaped by the Savior’s self-giving love.

Elders and leaders shepherd willingly, eagerly, and by example, with eyes fixed on the appearing of the Lord. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4) We do so with the Word of His grace, which “is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

Humility: The Posture of True Leadership

The mindset of Christ disarms pride and positions us to serve. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4) The basin and towel remain our tools. “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

God’s grace flows to the lowly. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) So we “humble [ourselves]... under God’s mighty hand” and trust Him to lift up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

- Embrace low places and unseen service (Matthew 6:1–4; Romans 12:16).

- Confess sin quickly and receive correction gladly (Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 9:8–9).

- Defer preferences to serve the body’s edification (Romans 14:19).

- Lead as examples, not overlords (1 Peter 5:3).

Courage: Steadfast Hearts in a Fearful World

Leaders need holy boldness anchored in God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Scripture steadies our resolve. “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)

Gospel courage is unashamed and gentle. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) We give a defense “with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

- Preach the whole counsel of God without trimming truth (Acts 20:27).

- Name idols and false hopes, pointing to Christ (Jeremiah 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10).

- Protect the vulnerable, even at personal cost (Proverbs 24:11–12; James 1:27).

- Endure slander and hardship with joy (Matthew 5:11–12; 2 Corinthians 6:4–10).

Feed, Guard, Guide: The Work of Shepherds

God gives shepherds “to equip the saints... and to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12). The aim is maturity. “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)

Shepherds guard against wolves and drift. “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) This guarding is doctrinal and pastoral, with tears if needed (Acts 20:29–31).

- Feed: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

- Guard: establish clear doctrine, watch membership, and refute error (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 4:6).

- Guide: provide wise counsel and direction aligned with Scripture (Proverbs 11:14; James 1:5).

Watching Over Souls with Tender Strength

True shepherding blends gentleness and gravity. We restore the wandering “with a spirit of gentleness.” “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2) Leaders “keep watch over your souls, as those who must give an account.” (Hebrews 13:17)

This watchfulness looks like presence and prayer, careful counsel, and sacrificial time. It carries both nurture and admonition, patterned after a nursing mother and an exhorting father (1 Thessalonians 2:7–12).

- Know the sheep by name and story (John 10:3).

- Cultivate rhythms of visitation, intercession, and encouragement (Acts 20:20; Colossians 1:9–10).

- Create pathways for care: groups, deacons, and member-to-member ministry (Acts 6:1–7).

- Keep careful oversight of the hurting, isolated, and straying (Ezekiel 34:4).

Handling Conflict and Correction Biblically

Biblical correction is love in action. Jesus sets a gracious process for sin and conflict that aims at restoration (Matthew 18:15–17). When repentance comes, comfort and reaffirm love. “Forgive and comfort him... reaffirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:7–8)

Leaders correct without quarrelsomeness, combining clarity and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24–26; Galatians 6:1). Divisiveness is addressed decisively. “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” (Titus 3:10)

- Begin privately, seeking to win your brother (Matthew 18:15).

- Include witnesses when needed (Matthew 18:16).

- Involve the church if hardness persists (Matthew 18:17).

- Treat the unrepentant as an outsider and keep calling to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:4–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).

- Restore publicly and warmly upon repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6–8).

Keeping Watch over Yourself

Integrity is the front line of shepherding. “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in them, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Shepherds first watch themselves (Acts 20:28).

Holiness includes both separation from sin and engagement in mercy. “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) Weakness is not disqualifying when grace is sought. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

- Prioritize daily Scripture and secret prayer (Psalm 1; Acts 6:4).

- Practice confession, accountability, and financial transparency (Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 8:21).

- Guard your life from sensuality, greed, and bitterness (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Hebrews 12:15).

- Order your home and rest wisely (1 Timothy 3:4–5; Mark 6:31).

- Trust the Lord deeply. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart... He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Endurance with Joyful Hope

Gospel work can be wearying, yet glory outweighs it all. “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) The God of all grace “will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Lift your eyes to the finish. “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4) “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

God ordered local churches with qualified elders and deacons (Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1). Elder qualifications emphasize character, doctrine, and domestic faithfulness (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

- Elders shepherd, teach, and oversee; deacons lead in tangible service (1 Peter 5:1–3; Acts 6:1–7).

- Scripture grounds eldership in creation order and apostolic practice (1 Timothy 2:12–13; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5).

- Plurality and accountability protect both leaders and flock (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17).

Doctrinal Boundaries and False Teaching

Healthy churches catechize clearly and guard the gospel. “Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) Shepherds discern both subtle drift and overt denial (2 Peter 2:1–3; 1 John 4:1–3).

- Clarify core doctrine in confessions and membership processes (1 Timothy 6:3–4).

- Train the church to test messages by Scripture (Acts 17:11).

- Address error promptly, patiently, and publicly when needed (Titus 1:9; Romans 16:17–18).

Practicing Redemptive Discipline

Church discipline protects Christ’s name, the church’s health, and the sinner’s soul (1 Corinthians 5:1–8). The goal is always restoration. “Forgive and comfort him... reaffirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:7–8)

- Establish clear, biblical policies that are consistently applied (Matthew 18:15–17).

- Involve elders, then congregation, with careful documentation and pastoral care (1 Corinthians 5:4–5).

- Provide intentional pathways for repentance, accountability, and reintegration (Galatians 6:1–2).

Shepherding amid Suffering and Cultural Pressure

Shepherds prepare people to stand firm in trials and marginalization (1 Peter 4:12–16). Joy under pressure adorns the gospel (Hebrews 10:32–36).

- Teach a theology of suffering and perseverance (Romans 5:3–5; James 1:2–4).

- Strengthen habits of corporate prayer, fellowship, and mutual aid (Acts 2:42–47).

- Model courage and compassion toward opponents (Matthew 5:44; 2 Timothy 2:24–26).

Raising and Multiplying Leaders

A faithful flock needs a pipeline of qualified workers. Entrust gospel ministry to reliable people who can train others (2 Timothy 2:2).

- Identify character first, then competencies (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Luke 16:10).

- Provide hands-on mentoring, feedback, and gradual responsibility (Philippians 4:9).

- Commission and support church planters and missionaries sent by the body (Acts 13:1–3).

Prayer, Fasting, and the Ministry of the Word

Word and prayer remain the engine of enduring shepherding. “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)

- Build a praying culture across gatherings, homes, and teams (Colossians 4:2).

- Employ seasons of fasting for guidance and renewal (Acts 13:2–3).

- Guard time for study and doctrinal depth for long-haul faithfulness (1 Timothy 4:13–15; 2 Timothy 2:15)

By grace, shepherds who walk low before God and stand tall in His truth feed and protect God’s people, adorn the gospel, and await the unfading crown at the appearing of the Chief Shepherd.