Articles
THE SHEPHERDS AMONG US
Whenever discussion of “elders in the church” arises, attention is quickly focused on the
qualifications of any man who desires such a role in the Lord’s church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus
1:5-9). Yes, qualifications of elders play an important role in selecting the right men for the
work, but perhaps we miss some other very important factors which should be considered in
dealing with elders in the church.
The Lord, speaking through Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34), chastised the “shepherds of Israel”
because they were not paying attention to the job at hand—shepherding Israel. Instead, they were
more concerned for their own personal welfare, before that of the house of Israel. In so doing,
God’s flock had become food for all the beasts of the field, some had been scattered, others
diseased and hungry (vss. 4-8). Perhaps this is the passage in Scripture Paul had in mind when
warning the elders of Ephesus to “be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, …,” (Acts
20:28-30), because there would be those false teachers from outside AND inside who would try
to draw precious souls away from the Lord. Elders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the
souls in the Lord’s church.
But what about the response of the “sheep” to the “shepherds”? We may be a little quick
in excusing ourselves of the responsibility of following the leadership where they lead. The
Hebrew writer instructs the church, “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch
over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief,
for this would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). To obey and submit are difficult
responses by which to live, but extremely important for the church today. But consider the next
phrase, “for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.” We need to
remember when the elders correct or discipline us that they are doing so out of love for each of
us, wanting us to live our lives for the Lord in such a way as to hear the words of welcome on
judgment day. The elders will give an account for how they performed their duties as shepherds
of the Lord’s church.
Yes, there are shepherds among us. Are we following these shepherds in such a way as to
bring joy to their lives and not grief? Are we showing the proper respect for each shepherd,
because of the account they must give to the Lord? Are we praying for each shepherd (and their
wives) as they watch over our souls? ~P. Mowrer
