Pastoral Leadership - Part 1
Acts 20:28
“Pay careful to attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
The Context
In Acts 20 we find one of the most moving passages in the whole book of Acts. The Apostle Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, and there he fully expects to be arrested and taken to Rome. The elders of the church of Ephesus meet with him in Miletus, and there receive his farewell address.
One can sense the love that these men shared for one another. After Paul has finished speaking, we are told that…
“He knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” (Acts 20:36-38)
When we read Paul’s last words to these men, we must remember that these are not just the words of a hard-nosed, highly-intelligent apostle, but of a man whose own heart was breaking at the thought of never seeing these co-laborers for Christ again in this life. Paul’s words, inspired by the Spirit, do not come just from his brain, but from his heart.
The verse that we are going to focus on this morning contains Paul’s summary exhortation to the leaders of the Ephesian church.
The Pastoral Office
As you remember, we have begun a study on Biblical church polity – that is, what the Bible teaches about how local churches are to be structured. This is to prepare us for the adoption of a new Constitution in the fall. And one point that we’ve already seen very clearly is that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. It is He who gives us our mission – to live for the glory of God. It is He who gives us instructions and commands to teach us how to live for God’s glory. And it is He who creates and gives pastors to His churches to help lead His people into obedience. It is a group of pastors that Paul is speaking to in Acts 20:28.
Notice that in this verse they are called “overseers”. In verse 17 they are called “elders”. These two terms both refer to the same position of leadership in the local church. The third term, “pastor”, is used in Ephesians 4:11. There is a lot of confusion on this subject in local churches today, so let us be very clear: all three of these terms refer to the same position, the position we know most commonly as pastor. (Compare Titus 1:5-7, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-3, and Acts 20:28)
Each of these titles emphasizes something different about the pastoral office: The term “elder” (presbuteros) emphasizes that pastors are to be spiritually mature, not novices in the faith. When we hear the term “elder” we might be tempted to think that pastors should be older men. However, when the term is used in connection with the pastoral office, it has less to do with a man’s age and more to do with him being firmly established in the faith. A good example of a “young” elder is Timothy, who served for a time as a pastor at Ephesus. We remember that the Apostle Paul wrote to him and said, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12) So a pastor is to be an elder – a man mature in the faith.
The second term, “overseer” (episkopos), emphasizes the authority and leadership of the pastoral office. Alexander Strauch points out that the word has a lot in common with our words “supervisor”, “manager”, and “guardian.”[1] In the Old Testament overseers were used in the army as officers in charge of different regiments. They were also used in the temple, to manage its affairs and to guard its property and practices. In the New Testament, God’s temple is His people, and pastors have been called to guard them from sin and false teaching.
The third term, used only once to refer to church leaders in the New Testament, is “pastor” (poimen). This word points out that church leaders are to be shepherds: feeding God’s sheep, leading God’s sheep, and protecting God’s sheep. Jesus Himself is the Good Shepherd that serves as the prime model and example for all pastors to follow. He is the true Shepherd of the Church, pastors serve as under-shepherds.
Unlike Jesus, however, who leads His Church as its only Head, each local church is to be led by a plurality of pastors. In fact, if you were to survey the New Testament, you would find that there is never any suggestion that any church of any size had only one pastor. In Acts 14:23 we are told that that Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders (plural) in every church (singular).” In Titus 1:5, Paul tells Titus that he left him behind in Crete so that he would “appoint elders (plural) in every town (singular).” This is the consistent pattern of the New Testament. Moreover, Wayne Grudem points out that “we do not see a diversity of forms of government in the New Testament church, but a unified and consistent pattern in which every church has elders governing it and keeping watch over it (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3)”. [2]
So, each church in the New Testament seems to have been led by a plurality of pastors working together with equal authority to care for their particular congregation. This does not mean, however, that all the pastors were full-time, vocational pastors. The New Testament is silent on that question, leaving churches with the option of having either all vocational pastors or a mixture of vocational and non-vocational pastors. Throughout Baptist history, many churches have had only one or two vocational pastors and then a number of non-vocational pastors (sometimes called “lay-pastors) that served alongside them. This is the model that I would like to put forward to our church: that we consider bringing alongside myself at least two men from among us who can serve us as lay-pastors. The primary preaching responsibilities would continue to fall on my shoulders, but these men would work with me in overseeing the needs of this congregation.
It only takes a moment’s reflection to see God’s wisdom in instructing His churches to be led a plurality of pastors rather than a single pastor. The fact is no one man has all of the gifts necessary to serve a church well. One pastor may be particularly gifted at preaching. Another may have better counseling skills. Still another may be better at organization and administration. Having a plurality of pastors allows one pastor to make up for the weaknesses of another.
Also, having a plurality of pastors provides a prudent means of accountability. One pastor can’t make a decision and run with it, but rather is required to bring it before the other pastors first. This would help prevent many foolish and careless mistakes from ever being made.
The wisdom of having a plurality of pastors can also be seen in the fact that it provides consistency. Many churches have had the experience of one pastor coming into the church and presenting his vision for the future, making all sorts of changes to help the church reach that vision. Then, after a few years, that pastor leaves and is replaced by another that has a completely different vision for the future. Just about the time the church was getting used to the first changes, suddenly they are reversed or changed again. Yet when a church is led by a plurality of pastors, losing one pastor doesn’t mean that the vision for the church has to change, since the others are there to provide stability and consistency.
So there are several practical reasons for churches to be led by a plurality of pastors, but these do not trump the primary reason: it is the example laid down for us in the pages of the New Testament. If the Bible is to be our guide, than we must take seriously its teaching and make whatever changes are needed to obey.
The Making of a Pastor
In this verse, we see how it is that a person becomes a pastor, namely, by the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls every member of His body to serve the rest in some way, and He gives to each spiritual gifts as He wills. To some He gives the calling to be a pastor, and to these He gives the ability to teach. These Christians are not “better” than other Christians, and the one who pastors is not greater in value than the one who has other gifts. The point is that it is Jesus – through the Holy Spirit – who makes someone a pastor.
Of course, having the inward calling and the gifts to be a pastor doesn’t actually put a man in the office of pastor. So it is the responsibility of churches to keep an eye out for those who seem gifted by God to pastor, and to do what they can to help these men enter into the office. They will need training, of course, but our desire should be either to have them enter into the pastoral ministry here at our church or to send them off with our blessing to pastor another. It is Jesus who makes a pastor; it is the responsibility of churches to put them into office.
Let me be very clear: I truly believe that I have the best job in the world. And I pray that God would call many men from our midst to serve as pastors – whether vocational or as lay-pastors – so that they can share the joy of being involved in this work. We should esteem the position of pastor very highly, so that our young boys grow up saying to themselves, “One day, I want to be a pastor in my church.” As First Timothy 3:1 says, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”
The Pastoral Duties
What are pastors to do? Paul answers this questions concisely: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock…to care for the church of God.”
Pastors are the caretakers of God’s churches. The word “care” (poimano) literally means “to shepherd”. Using this picture, we categorize the responsibilities of pastors under three headings: Pastors feed God’s church, pastors lead God’s church, and pastor’s protect God’s church.
Pastors Feed God’s Church
Not every pastor has to be gifted to preach, but each one does have to be gifted to teach. (1 Timothy 3:2) This is because it is through the hearing of God’s Word that the lost are saved and the saved are sanctified. Pastors, first and foremost, are to be men of the Word! They are to study the Word, meditate on it, pray over it, and share its contents with those under their care. Just as the father of a family will want to make sure that all of his children have food, so a pastor will want to be sure that all in his congregation are receiving a healthy portion of God’s Word.
In Titus 1:9, Paul says, that a pastor “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
The point is clear. Jesus has given His church pastors, and He has given His pastors this command: “Preach the Word!” It’s as if He says, “Do not let my people starve! Do not feed them your own ideas and opinions. Do not give them stories and jokes while they are in need of truth! My Word gives life, My Word gives grace, My Word is sufficient for them – Preach the Word!”
Pastor’s Lead God’s Church
The Bible is unequivocal in its teaching that the authority to lead belongs to the pastors. In First Timothy 5:17 we read “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor…”. God has not given this authority to the deacons. Nor has He given this authority to the congregation. In First Timothy 3:4-5 we see that pastors are to be men who manage their own households well, keeping their children submissive. Why? Because “if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” The point here is that pastors have been given the authority to be the caretakers of the church.
This, again, is why it is wise and necessary for churches to have a plurality of pastors – it would be foolish to have all of this authority given to one man. (I do not want it, and refuse to take it in that way, which is why over the past three years I’ve asked the Deacons to serve alongside me as co-pastors. But this is not their calling, and we need to set this right. We need to be on our knees asking God for direction in recognizing from within out own church men who can serve us as lay-pastors.) Because the authority to lead belongs to the pastors, we should also seek to be very wise in whom we appoint to this office. There is a reason that the Bible gives us a list of qualifications, and all pastors need to be men of true Christian maturity and integrity.
What is the purpose of this authority that Christ has given to the pastors of His churches? The purpose is for pastors to use this authority to help lead God’s people to obey God’s Word. And they will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for how they used this authority. Hebrews 13:17 says that church leaders are those who “are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” James says “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
The Old Testament is filled with God’s warnings of judgment against those leaders who abuse their power. One of the most graphic is Malachi 2:1-3:
“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.”
What a picture! This prophecy is meant to teach leaders that they will reap what they sow, and that they will have to eat of the fruit they produce. It is an abomination to God for any man to take the authority entrusted to him and to use that authority in an ungodly way. This is why John Calvin said that it would be better for a pastor to fall and break his neck stepping into the pulpit then to step in it safely having not resolved to be the first to obey God.
This is probably why Paul’s exhortation begins with “Pay careful attention to yourselves.” No man should be an overseer of God’s church who hasn’t first learned to be an overseer of his own life. Paul told Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Pastors should lead wisely, with tender love and patience. Tonight we will see that Peter commands pastors to exercise oversight “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) They are to be servant leaders, characterized by gentleness and humility, a willingness to work hard and sacrifice. Like Jesus, they should be willing to lay down their very lives for their sheep. The best pastors are not those who preach or teach best, but those who set the best example, and show genuine love to their congregations. (Oh, pray for me, church! For your sake, pray for me, that I might better serve you well!)
One of the best examples of a leader who loved God’s people is the Apostle Paul. World renown New Testament scholar D. A. Carson has written about Paul, “Here is a Christian so committed to the well-being of other Christians, especially new Christians, that he is simply burning up inside to be with them, to help them, to nurture them, to feed them, to stabilize them, to establish an adequate foundation for them.”
Pastor’s Protect God’s Church
It is the responsibility of shepherds to protect the sheep from danger. We remember David in the Old Testament single-handedly killing lions and bear in order to protect his father’s flock. In verse 29-31 Paul says:
“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease day or night to admonish everyone with tears.”
Pastors are to help God’s people know sound doctrine, and they are to help God’s people identify false doctrine. Pastors are to lovingly watch over the congregation, doing all they can to help Christians stay away from the snares of sin. It is possible for professing believers to make shipwreck of their faith; therefore, pastors must labor hard and diligently to help God’s people keep their eyes on the prize before them.
One Last Thing
Before we close, let me draw attention to one more point in our verse: that the church does not belong to pastors, but to God, who obtained it with His own blood. There is nothing more precious to God in all creation than His church. And He has entrusted His Church to pastors, who will be called to strict account for their service. Church, do you realize just how much God treasures you? Do you see just how precious you are to Him? He poured out the wrath that our sins deserved on His Son for us. Jesus took the bullet of God’s wrath for us. We deserved an eternal electric chair – but Christ took our place in the seat. You are near and dear to God’s heart! He will never leave you, nor forsake you! He is working all for your good! Jesus has gone up to heaven to prepare a place for you, and He will return again to take you to Himself, that where He is you may also be forever!
As you think about God’s instructions for how His church is to be structured, know this: Every command is a gift of love for you good. Every instruction is a gift of His infinite wisdom for your benefit. So let us embrace God’s Word, and let us embrace His love for us. Amen.
Acts 20:28
“Pay careful to attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
The Context
In Acts 20 we find one of the most moving passages in the whole book of Acts. The Apostle Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, and there he fully expects to be arrested and taken to Rome. The elders of the church of Ephesus meet with him in Miletus, and there receive his farewell address.
One can sense the love that these men shared for one another. After Paul has finished speaking, we are told that…
“He knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” (Acts 20:36-38)
When we read Paul’s last words to these men, we must remember that these are not just the words of a hard-nosed, highly-intelligent apostle, but of a man whose own heart was breaking at the thought of never seeing these co-laborers for Christ again in this life. Paul’s words, inspired by the Spirit, do not come just from his brain, but from his heart.
The verse that we are going to focus on this morning contains Paul’s summary exhortation to the leaders of the Ephesian church.
The Pastoral Office
As you remember, we have begun a study on Biblical church polity – that is, what the Bible teaches about how local churches are to be structured. This is to prepare us for the adoption of a new Constitution in the fall. And one point that we’ve already seen very clearly is that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. It is He who gives us our mission – to live for the glory of God. It is He who gives us instructions and commands to teach us how to live for God’s glory. And it is He who creates and gives pastors to His churches to help lead His people into obedience. It is a group of pastors that Paul is speaking to in Acts 20:28.
Notice that in this verse they are called “overseers”. In verse 17 they are called “elders”. These two terms both refer to the same position of leadership in the local church. The third term, “pastor”, is used in Ephesians 4:11. There is a lot of confusion on this subject in local churches today, so let us be very clear: all three of these terms refer to the same position, the position we know most commonly as pastor. (Compare Titus 1:5-7, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-3, and Acts 20:28)
Each of these titles emphasizes something different about the pastoral office: The term “elder” (presbuteros) emphasizes that pastors are to be spiritually mature, not novices in the faith. When we hear the term “elder” we might be tempted to think that pastors should be older men. However, when the term is used in connection with the pastoral office, it has less to do with a man’s age and more to do with him being firmly established in the faith. A good example of a “young” elder is Timothy, who served for a time as a pastor at Ephesus. We remember that the Apostle Paul wrote to him and said, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12) So a pastor is to be an elder – a man mature in the faith.
The second term, “overseer” (episkopos), emphasizes the authority and leadership of the pastoral office. Alexander Strauch points out that the word has a lot in common with our words “supervisor”, “manager”, and “guardian.”[1] In the Old Testament overseers were used in the army as officers in charge of different regiments. They were also used in the temple, to manage its affairs and to guard its property and practices. In the New Testament, God’s temple is His people, and pastors have been called to guard them from sin and false teaching.
The third term, used only once to refer to church leaders in the New Testament, is “pastor” (poimen). This word points out that church leaders are to be shepherds: feeding God’s sheep, leading God’s sheep, and protecting God’s sheep. Jesus Himself is the Good Shepherd that serves as the prime model and example for all pastors to follow. He is the true Shepherd of the Church, pastors serve as under-shepherds.
Unlike Jesus, however, who leads His Church as its only Head, each local church is to be led by a plurality of pastors. In fact, if you were to survey the New Testament, you would find that there is never any suggestion that any church of any size had only one pastor. In Acts 14:23 we are told that that Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders (plural) in every church (singular).” In Titus 1:5, Paul tells Titus that he left him behind in Crete so that he would “appoint elders (plural) in every town (singular).” This is the consistent pattern of the New Testament. Moreover, Wayne Grudem points out that “we do not see a diversity of forms of government in the New Testament church, but a unified and consistent pattern in which every church has elders governing it and keeping watch over it (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3)”. [2]
So, each church in the New Testament seems to have been led by a plurality of pastors working together with equal authority to care for their particular congregation. This does not mean, however, that all the pastors were full-time, vocational pastors. The New Testament is silent on that question, leaving churches with the option of having either all vocational pastors or a mixture of vocational and non-vocational pastors. Throughout Baptist history, many churches have had only one or two vocational pastors and then a number of non-vocational pastors (sometimes called “lay-pastors) that served alongside them. This is the model that I would like to put forward to our church: that we consider bringing alongside myself at least two men from among us who can serve us as lay-pastors. The primary preaching responsibilities would continue to fall on my shoulders, but these men would work with me in overseeing the needs of this congregation.
It only takes a moment’s reflection to see God’s wisdom in instructing His churches to be led a plurality of pastors rather than a single pastor. The fact is no one man has all of the gifts necessary to serve a church well. One pastor may be particularly gifted at preaching. Another may have better counseling skills. Still another may be better at organization and administration. Having a plurality of pastors allows one pastor to make up for the weaknesses of another.
Also, having a plurality of pastors provides a prudent means of accountability. One pastor can’t make a decision and run with it, but rather is required to bring it before the other pastors first. This would help prevent many foolish and careless mistakes from ever being made.
The wisdom of having a plurality of pastors can also be seen in the fact that it provides consistency. Many churches have had the experience of one pastor coming into the church and presenting his vision for the future, making all sorts of changes to help the church reach that vision. Then, after a few years, that pastor leaves and is replaced by another that has a completely different vision for the future. Just about the time the church was getting used to the first changes, suddenly they are reversed or changed again. Yet when a church is led by a plurality of pastors, losing one pastor doesn’t mean that the vision for the church has to change, since the others are there to provide stability and consistency.
So there are several practical reasons for churches to be led by a plurality of pastors, but these do not trump the primary reason: it is the example laid down for us in the pages of the New Testament. If the Bible is to be our guide, than we must take seriously its teaching and make whatever changes are needed to obey.
The Making of a Pastor
In this verse, we see how it is that a person becomes a pastor, namely, by the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls every member of His body to serve the rest in some way, and He gives to each spiritual gifts as He wills. To some He gives the calling to be a pastor, and to these He gives the ability to teach. These Christians are not “better” than other Christians, and the one who pastors is not greater in value than the one who has other gifts. The point is that it is Jesus – through the Holy Spirit – who makes someone a pastor.
Of course, having the inward calling and the gifts to be a pastor doesn’t actually put a man in the office of pastor. So it is the responsibility of churches to keep an eye out for those who seem gifted by God to pastor, and to do what they can to help these men enter into the office. They will need training, of course, but our desire should be either to have them enter into the pastoral ministry here at our church or to send them off with our blessing to pastor another. It is Jesus who makes a pastor; it is the responsibility of churches to put them into office.
Let me be very clear: I truly believe that I have the best job in the world. And I pray that God would call many men from our midst to serve as pastors – whether vocational or as lay-pastors – so that they can share the joy of being involved in this work. We should esteem the position of pastor very highly, so that our young boys grow up saying to themselves, “One day, I want to be a pastor in my church.” As First Timothy 3:1 says, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”
The Pastoral Duties
What are pastors to do? Paul answers this questions concisely: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock…to care for the church of God.”
Pastors are the caretakers of God’s churches. The word “care” (poimano) literally means “to shepherd”. Using this picture, we categorize the responsibilities of pastors under three headings: Pastors feed God’s church, pastors lead God’s church, and pastor’s protect God’s church.
Pastors Feed God’s Church
Not every pastor has to be gifted to preach, but each one does have to be gifted to teach. (1 Timothy 3:2) This is because it is through the hearing of God’s Word that the lost are saved and the saved are sanctified. Pastors, first and foremost, are to be men of the Word! They are to study the Word, meditate on it, pray over it, and share its contents with those under their care. Just as the father of a family will want to make sure that all of his children have food, so a pastor will want to be sure that all in his congregation are receiving a healthy portion of God’s Word.
In Titus 1:9, Paul says, that a pastor “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
The point is clear. Jesus has given His church pastors, and He has given His pastors this command: “Preach the Word!” It’s as if He says, “Do not let my people starve! Do not feed them your own ideas and opinions. Do not give them stories and jokes while they are in need of truth! My Word gives life, My Word gives grace, My Word is sufficient for them – Preach the Word!”
Pastor’s Lead God’s Church
The Bible is unequivocal in its teaching that the authority to lead belongs to the pastors. In First Timothy 5:17 we read “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor…”. God has not given this authority to the deacons. Nor has He given this authority to the congregation. In First Timothy 3:4-5 we see that pastors are to be men who manage their own households well, keeping their children submissive. Why? Because “if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” The point here is that pastors have been given the authority to be the caretakers of the church.
This, again, is why it is wise and necessary for churches to have a plurality of pastors – it would be foolish to have all of this authority given to one man. (I do not want it, and refuse to take it in that way, which is why over the past three years I’ve asked the Deacons to serve alongside me as co-pastors. But this is not their calling, and we need to set this right. We need to be on our knees asking God for direction in recognizing from within out own church men who can serve us as lay-pastors.) Because the authority to lead belongs to the pastors, we should also seek to be very wise in whom we appoint to this office. There is a reason that the Bible gives us a list of qualifications, and all pastors need to be men of true Christian maturity and integrity.
What is the purpose of this authority that Christ has given to the pastors of His churches? The purpose is for pastors to use this authority to help lead God’s people to obey God’s Word. And they will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for how they used this authority. Hebrews 13:17 says that church leaders are those who “are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” James says “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
The Old Testament is filled with God’s warnings of judgment against those leaders who abuse their power. One of the most graphic is Malachi 2:1-3:
“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.”
What a picture! This prophecy is meant to teach leaders that they will reap what they sow, and that they will have to eat of the fruit they produce. It is an abomination to God for any man to take the authority entrusted to him and to use that authority in an ungodly way. This is why John Calvin said that it would be better for a pastor to fall and break his neck stepping into the pulpit then to step in it safely having not resolved to be the first to obey God.
This is probably why Paul’s exhortation begins with “Pay careful attention to yourselves.” No man should be an overseer of God’s church who hasn’t first learned to be an overseer of his own life. Paul told Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Pastors should lead wisely, with tender love and patience. Tonight we will see that Peter commands pastors to exercise oversight “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) They are to be servant leaders, characterized by gentleness and humility, a willingness to work hard and sacrifice. Like Jesus, they should be willing to lay down their very lives for their sheep. The best pastors are not those who preach or teach best, but those who set the best example, and show genuine love to their congregations. (Oh, pray for me, church! For your sake, pray for me, that I might better serve you well!)
One of the best examples of a leader who loved God’s people is the Apostle Paul. World renown New Testament scholar D. A. Carson has written about Paul, “Here is a Christian so committed to the well-being of other Christians, especially new Christians, that he is simply burning up inside to be with them, to help them, to nurture them, to feed them, to stabilize them, to establish an adequate foundation for them.”
Pastor’s Protect God’s Church
It is the responsibility of shepherds to protect the sheep from danger. We remember David in the Old Testament single-handedly killing lions and bear in order to protect his father’s flock. In verse 29-31 Paul says:
“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease day or night to admonish everyone with tears.”
Pastors are to help God’s people know sound doctrine, and they are to help God’s people identify false doctrine. Pastors are to lovingly watch over the congregation, doing all they can to help Christians stay away from the snares of sin. It is possible for professing believers to make shipwreck of their faith; therefore, pastors must labor hard and diligently to help God’s people keep their eyes on the prize before them.
One Last Thing
Before we close, let me draw attention to one more point in our verse: that the church does not belong to pastors, but to God, who obtained it with His own blood. There is nothing more precious to God in all creation than His church. And He has entrusted His Church to pastors, who will be called to strict account for their service. Church, do you realize just how much God treasures you? Do you see just how precious you are to Him? He poured out the wrath that our sins deserved on His Son for us. Jesus took the bullet of God’s wrath for us. We deserved an eternal electric chair – but Christ took our place in the seat. You are near and dear to God’s heart! He will never leave you, nor forsake you! He is working all for your good! Jesus has gone up to heaven to prepare a place for you, and He will return again to take you to Himself, that where He is you may also be forever!
As you think about God’s instructions for how His church is to be structured, know this: Every command is a gift of love for you good. Every instruction is a gift of His infinite wisdom for your benefit. So let us embrace God’s Word, and let us embrace His love for us. Amen.
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