David, in Psalm 23, reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd. Jesus self-identified Himself that way in John 10. Peter portrays Him as the “the Shepherd and Overseer,” (1 Pet. 2:25) and “the Chief Shepherd,” (5:4). As such, our Lord employees “under-shepherds,” to guide the smaller flocks of local congregations.
“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: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (I Peter 5:1-4 NKJV)
Peter’s charge is to the pastors/elders/overseers of a local church. Let us consider the shepherd and his sheep.
Consider first OUR MODEL, “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,” (v.1). Our Master is our model. He was the only Perfect Pastor. We will never attain that status, yet we should—by the grace of God—seek to imitate Him. Recall what Peter previously said to all believers, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” (2:21). Now, he pointedly stresses the Savior as the standard for shepherds in this final chapter of his first letter. Peter sought to exemplify what it means to be an under-shepherd. He calls himself “a fellow elder and a witness.” He exhorts those in Gospel ministry to do likewise.
Next observe OUR MANDATE, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers,” (v. 2a). Three different terms are used to describe the same office.
There is the term, “elder,” (v.1), which in the Greek is presbuteros, from which we get the word, “Presbyterian.” It referred to a leader of maturity. The Jews had such officers in the synagogue. It was a term that carried respect—a respect earned by proven service and consistent character. Whatever your chronological age, spiritual maturity is a must. As beneficial as seminary may be, the school of life-experience—“on the job training,”—is indispensable.
Then, our mandate involves being a shepherd. The word is poimainō—a verb for shepherding, or pastoring. Its noun form is poimēn—a pastor as rendered in Eph.4:11. There are three responsibilities the shepherd must fulfill. Like a three-legged stool, all of these functions must be implemented by the spiritual leaders of the church.
The pastor is to feed the flock. Paul has connected this with teaching in the Eph. 4:11. Pastors feed the flock by proclamation of the Word. The faithful exposition of Scripture is essential for the nourishment of God’s flock.
The pastor is to lead the flock. This is related to the word, “overseer,” that we will discuss in a moment. As I have heard John Maxwell recount numerous times, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Pastors lead the flock by demonstration of the way. Sheep have the nature to wander and pastors must guide them in the right path.
The pastor is to bleed for the flock. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). We may not literally shed our blood, but Gospel ministry is about pouring yourself out in sacrificial service. There are wolves eager to devour the sheep, and it can be at a great personal cost to fight against them. Pastors bleed for the flock in provision for their welfare.
[I want to give credit to Paul Powell. Years ago, I heard him in a Fruitland Baptist Bible College chapel service use these three phrases, “feed, lead, and bleed,” and have never forgotten them.]
I return now to our mandate to be “overseers.” In the original language it is episkopos, from which we get Episcopalian. It means to oversee—to supervise and watch over. Sometimes it is translated, “bishop.” Yet, even though there is a functional responsibility of the pastor in direction of the church, it is not to be a hierarchal role as a dictator of the church.
Furthermore, we note OUR MANNER, “not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock,” (v.2b-3).
Our manner is not to be grudging, “not by compulsion, but willingly.” It is rather to be a glad response to God’s gracious call. This labor is not to be viewed as a drudgery we’ve got to do, but as a delight we get to do!
Our manner is not to be greedy, “not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” It is not about earthly riches, but eternal reward.
Our manner is not about our glory, “nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” They are not cattle to be driven by domineering, but sheep to be led by demonstration. While we will certainly exhort them, we must be an example to them. You better practice what you preach! There is no place for egotism. It is a grace that we are called to serve and it is grace that enables us to serve. Let us clothe ourselves—not with robes of royalty, but dress ourselves in humility.
Finally, remember OUR MOTIVATION, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away,” (v.4). The gravity of our responsibility as pastors rests in the reality that the church is not ours, but belongs to Christ. Jesus loves every lamb and we had better. There will be an accountability faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we have been faithful to care for the flock, a special crown awaits the shepherd. All the trials, all the tears, all the toil will be forgotten in that indescribable moment when we hear the Chief Shepherd say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord,” (Matt.25:21)! We will, like Peter, be “a partaker of the glory that will be revealed,” (v.1b). O glorious day!
