Shepherds of God  They are SHEPHERDS. The Gr. word poimen is used to describe a particular kind of spiritual leadership.

1 Peter 5:2 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.

Shepherds of God In the history of Christianity the role of the “pastor” has been one of the most confusing.

Shepherds of God “Pastor” comes from the Gr. word poimen. It’s only translated “pastor” once in most translations in Ephesians 4:11.

Ephesians 4:11 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.

Shepherds of God In the NT when it talks about shepherd it talks about a plurality of shepherds.

Shepherds of God The 23rd Psalm. It does two things:

Shepherds of God  It evokes such rich images of the provision and protection of the shepherd.

Shepherds of God  It provides a broad outline of what shepherds do.

Psalms 23:1 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Psalms 23:2 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Psalms 23:3 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Psalms 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me

Psalms 23:5 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;

Shepherds of God 1.They CARE for the flock.

Shepherds of God 2.They FEED the flock. 15 …Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15)

John 21:16 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

John 21:17 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Shepherds of God Shepherds provide a capable preacher and good teachers to feed the flock but they should also feed the flock themselves.

Shepherds of God 3.The PROTECT the flock.

Acts 20:28 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Acts 20:29 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Acts 20: Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard!

Shepherds of God Elders must PROTECT the flock.

Shepherds of God But they must also protect the integrity of the eldership itself.

Shepherds of God 4.They RECLAIM those who have strayed from the flock.

James 5:19 19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

James 5:20 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Shepherds of God  They are OVERSEERS. They see over the life and ministry of the church.

Shepherds of God The Gr. word is episkopos and often translated bishop.

Shepherds of God  They are ELDERS. The Gr. word is presbuteros and often translated elder.

1 Timothy 3:6 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

Shepherds of God Shepherds ~ describes their caring leadership.

Shepherds of God Overseers ~ describes their authoritative leadership.

Shepherds of God Elders ~ describes their mature leadership.

Shepherds of God  We Have a Perfect Model for this Kind of Godly Leadership.

Shepherds of God The model is Jesus. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) 20 “great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Heb 13:20)

1 Peter 2:25 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Shepherds of God So any leader in God’s church can ask himself three questions if he wants to know how to act:

Shepherds of God 1.What would Jesus do?

Shepherds of God 2. How would Jesus care for the church?

Shepherds of God 3. What is Jesus’ goal and desire for the church?