1. Portraits of a Shepherd

2. Acts 11:29 Elders distributed relief in Judea Acts 14:23 “appointed elders for them in every church” Acts 15:2-6, 22-23Elders deciding and communicating matters Acts 20:17, 28Elders in Ephesus Acts 21:18Guarding the church’s unity Ephesians 4:11Listed as a gift from God Philippians 1:1Overseers and deacons Titus 1:5 “appoint elders in every town as I directed” Titus 1, I Timothy 3 Qualifications I Timothy 5:17Elders teaching and being supported I Peter 5:1-5Instructions to elders and congregations Hebrews 13:7, 17Instructions to obey elders James 5:14Praying for the sick God’s Plan For Local Shepherds

3. A Group of Appointed Men. Men Fitting The Profile Given By Our King. Men Who Share Equally In The Work. Men Who Oversee The Local Congregation. Men Who Care For The Local Saints. Men Who Work In Submission To Christ.

4. Shepherding Is A Two-Sided Task Shepherding The Flock – “take heed…to all the flock” Acts 20:28 – “Shepherd the flock of God…” 1 Peter 5:2 Shepherding The Sheep – “keep watch over souls” Heb 13:17 – “care for God’s church” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 Both Are Important, But Shepherding The Sheep Is The Primary Focus. – Luke 15:1-7

5. As Sheep, We Need Spiritual Shepherds Because We Are In A Race: Hebrews 12:1 – Shepherds Are Like The Trusted & Qualified Coach, Trainer, Cheerleader, & Model We Are In A Battle: 2 Timothy 2:3-4 – Shepherds Are Like The Platoon Leaders, Protectors, & Lookouts We Are In A Family: Matthew 12:50 – “chasen…for our profit” Hebrews 12:9 – “warn you” 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 We Are In A Growing Body: Acts 21:15-26 – Shepherds Give Their Judgment In Challenging Situations

6. Shepherds Have A Great Model To Help Them Succeed… To Admonish, Night And Day, With Tears. – Acts 20:31 To Trust In God & His Word of His Grace. – To Build Up, To Give Inheritance, To Sanctify – Acts 20:32 To Avoid Covetousness, And Work Hard To Bless Others. – Acts 20:33-34 To Help The Weak – Acts 20:35

7. By Following This Example Shepherds Are Able To Aid In… The Survival of the Flock – “innocent of the blood” vs 26 – “wolves will come in not sparing the flock” vs 29 The Health of the Sheep – “able to build you up” vs 32 – “support the weak” vs 35 The Eternal Destination of the Sheep – “an inheritance among all the sanctified” vs 32

8. Portraits of a Shepherd