6 Reasons Elders Should Shepherd

Elders have the highest responsibility on earth. I am amazed when I truly stop to think about all elders are charged with in the Bible. I love my elders at Lebanon Road, because they are men who do a great work, but are also willing to admit when they need to improve. Sadly, those qualities are not seen in enough elders!

The greatest work of an elder (and the entire eldership) is that of shepherding the flock of God. Over and over this is seen in Scripture, but too few elders do that work. Many see the eldership as nothing more than a “governing board” or a “board of directors,” in place only to make decisions. While elders certainly must make decisions–sometimes, very difficult decisions–that is not their primary work. Their primary work is shepherding.

Why should all elders see this as their primary work? Let me suggest 6 reasons.

1. It’s commanded. This is the easy one! An elder who is not shepherding the flock isn’t doing what God has charged Him to do. Elders, always remember that this is your primary work, because God has said as much.

2. It’s wise. If elders will shepherd, it will lead to easier decision making. There will not be as many “blow ups” in the church, because those who work and serve will know that their leaders are constantly striving to help.

3. It’s common sense. I think this is why many don’t do it. Benjamin Franklin is quoted to have said, “Nothing is less common than common sense.” Elders need to see that it just makes sense for them to be involved in this work. The more they shepherd, the more they help their own work.

4. It leads to greater respect. While we should never berate elders, many members wonder why elders don’t do their primary work. When elders truly shepherd, it not only ends those questions, it also goes much farther. In fact, it leads the members to have a high level of respect for their leaders.

5. It helps raise future elders. Can you imagine how many young men who aspire to the office of an elder if elders took the time to shepherd them from birth throughout life? When our leaders invest that kind of time in young men, our congregations will not suffer for future shepherds.

6. It helps the church grow. Many congregations aren’t growing because they are losing as many members as they might be gaining. When our elders shepherd the flock, weaker members will be more likely to remain and grow. So, when we baptize the lost, we aren’t “replacing” someone, we are growing.

It may not be easy, but elders must make a conscience effort to be more than a board of directors. No matter the size of the congregation, elders need to be seen and known by all the members by more than just their name. They need to be shepherds who are among the sheep. They, as the book says, need to “smell like sheep.”

When elders do that, it pays great dividends in the Lord’s Kingdom here, and it also helps elders fulfill their God-given task and have a great reward in eternity.

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What are some ways you have seen elders doing a great job of shepherding?