Where Are All of the Shepherds?

Picture this:

You are standing in the mountains, and in the distance, you can see a shepherd with his flock. At first, you are amazed at the scenery. But, as you look closer, you are shocked. You discover that the shepherd is beating his flock with a staff. He will not allow them to eat, drink, or rest. He is abusing them and driving them hard. He won't allow them to sit down, but instead, he is making them move at a pace that they cannot sustain.

What would you think? What would you do? Wouldn't you be upset with this shepherd? Wouldn't you feel compassion for the sheep? You might say, "That's not a very good shepherd." And that's true.

However, sadly, I'm afraid a similar dynamic is playing out over and over again in churches. I'm sure you've encountered many of the stories recently of leaders, staff, volunteers, and members being treated badly in various churches. Though the have the title of church leader, pastor, or elder, are they actually shepherds?

I am thankful that I've personally been around some incredible shepherds. One, in particular, was a pastor named Charles Williams who God used to powerfully impact me. I was stunned a few years ago while I was at his funeral. Why? It seemed that God had used him to have the same impact on many other people as well. Many thought of him as a father or grandfather. Thankfully, there are many godly, selfless, and Christlike shepherds caring for Christ's church like Charles.

However, I've also seen and heard stories of bizarre behavior from pastors that have left numerous people wounded.

In some cases, I've wondered if part of the problem is that we are defining leadership in a way that is actually unbiblical. Church leaders are not intended to merely be a board of directors that make decisions, but instead, they are called to be shepherds.[1] Church leaders aren't merely just seeking to accomplish results through volunteers.

Church leaders are shepherds. In fact, there is no such thing as an elder who is not a shepherd. Yes, some will point to the leadership giftings that are listed in Ephesians 4:11. They may state, "See, it's only one of the gifts." But I'm not buying the idea that elders can express one of the giftings from Ephesians 4:11 and avoid shepherding their flock. Why?

Here are a few reasons:

(1) Peter was an apostle, but he referred to himself as a fellow elder who "shepherds the flock of God" (1 Pet. 5:1-2).

(2) When Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders he tells them to pay close attention and care for the flock (i.e, shepherd; Acts 20:28).

(3) Paul uses a different metaphor in the passage on the qualification of elders, but I think it is the same idea. In 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Paul says that overseers must manage their household well, otherwise how can they manage the house of God? Like a shepherd and sheep, a manager of a household cares for the people in it and the tasks associated with it.

Thus, elders shepherd the flock of God entrusted to them. Biblically, there is no such thing as an elder who does not shepherd. Will some have a stronger teaching or evangelistic gifting and so on? Sure. But, if the person is an elder then they must shepherd. Elders shepherd the flock.

And shepherds have compassion for the sheep.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. - Matthew 9:36 ESV

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion. He viewed them as "sheep without a shepherd" (Matt. 9:36). I find it fascinating that Matthew connects compassion with shepherding. Jesus was the consummate shepherd. He perfectly displayed compassion for sheep.

As we look to establish elders, do we look for compassion? One author claims that many people in churches today can also be described as the people in Matthew 9:36: that is, as "harassed and helpless" and "like sheep without a shepherd".[2] Why? "The sheep are frustrated and discouraged because they are not receiving the care that they need and that the Lord requires that his shepherds provide. Many of them may be spiritually hungry or may have even begun to stray. Failure to shepherd, therefore, impacts church health."[3]

First, let's begin by examining what shepherding and shepherd leadership was like in the ancient world. Then, we will examine shepherding according to the Bible. Finally, we will explore some implications.

Shepherd Leadership in the Ancient World

Shepherds and flocks were very common in the ancient world. "Sheep and goats were central to sacrificial cults, their products were necessary for daily sustenance and clothing, and ownership of large flocks marked wealth and status."[4] As early as the seventh millennium BC, "goats and sheep were domesticated in Mesopotamia" and that tradition has continued until present day.[5]

Some of these ancient flocks numbered in the tens and hundreds of thousands which, understandably, required a multi-level administrative system of shepherds. Generally, there were three levels of shepherds. The three levels consisted of the "rab buli (administrative head)," the "naqidu (chief contractor)," and the "re'u (actual shepherds)".[6]

Shepherds show up early in the Bible, as early as Genesis 4, at the beginning of human history. "And again, she (Eve) bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground" (Gen. 4:2 ESV). Abraham was a shepherd. Abraham's descendants, including Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob, were all shepherds.[7] Flocks appear repeatedly in Genesis 37 in the story of Joseph being sold as a slave.[8] Apparently the Egyptians found shepherds detestable. Genesis 46:33-34 says, "When Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?' you shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,' in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians."

Exodus 12:38 shows that, during the exodus, they left Egypt with large numbers in their flock. During the time of the Israelite kingdoms, the shepherding profession continued. It was a large part of the economy extending all of the way up until the Persian, Hellenistic (i.e., Greek), and Roman periods.[9] In fact, it was so prominent, Timothy Laniak says this: "Because of the importance of the pastoral economy virtually everyone was at least indirectly acquainted with shepherds' work. Consequently the application of the shepherd's world to that of leaders and communities found a receptive, culturally competent audience."[10] In other words, it was a common practice and therefore it was an easy metaphor to use for leaders. Some of the kings put in place by God were actually trained as shepherds (e.g., David, see 1 Sam. 17:34).

Sheep and goats were often herded together. A family may have a flock around the size of 25 to 60; sometimes they would have surplus with a flock over 60. Larger flocks, from 200-500, were managed in the open pasture and required many workers.[11]

Shepherds had to watch their flock carefully to make sure that their flock had enough food, water, and rest.[12] They also had to watch against diseases while defending against wolves, bears, leopards, lions, and even human threats, such as thieves.[13]

To do this, shepherds often carried two tools: (1) a staff and (2) a rod. The staff was for support and redirecting animals while the rod was a shorter club used for protection and defense.[14]

Shepherds needed adaptability, courage, gentleness, perseverance, and the ability to guide the flock. You can see why shepherding became a common metaphor for leadership. Kings who were just, benevolent, and great defenders were referred to as shepherds.[15] Even ancient armies were sometimes described as a flock.[16]

In sum, shepherding goes back to the earliest pages of Scripture and the earliest moments in human history. Shepherding has often been understood as a metaphor for exceptional, caring leadership.

Shepherd Leadership According to Scripture

Though we can't do an exhaustive study here, there are still numerous important Scriptures which address shepherding.

Driving the flocks too hard can bring fatalities.

[Gen 33:13 ESV] 13 But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die.

God appoints leaders so people won't be like sheep without a shepherd.

[Num 27:16-17 ESV] 16 "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation 17 who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd."

Shepherds should not lead their flock astray or fail to protect them.

[Jer 50:6-7 ESV] 6 "My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. From mountain to hill they have gone. They have forgotten their fold. 7 All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, 'We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the LORD, their habitation of righteousness, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.'

Shepherds should be attentive to the condition of their flocks.

[Pro 27:23 ESV] 23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,

God is the ultimate shepherd. He perfectly restores, gently guides, provides abundantly, and powerfully protects his sheep (see the entirety of Psalm 23).

[Psa 23:1 ESV] 1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

[Isa 40:11 ESV] 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

God led his flock through the leaders.

[Psa 77:20 ESV] 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

[Psa 78:52 ESV] 52 Then he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

We are God's sheep who worship worship and honor him.

[Psa 95:6-7a ESV] 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

God is upset with shepherds who neglect the sheep and selfishly feed themselves.

[Eze 34:1-2 ESV] 1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?

The Gospels are focused upon Jesus, who is sometimes referred to as the good shepherd.

[Jhn 10:11-16 ESV] 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Various Scriptures in the rest of the New Testament also refer to Jesus as the shepherd of the sheep.

[1Pe 2:25 ESV] 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

[Heb 13:20-21 ESV] 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul tells the Ephesian elders: pay careful attention to yourself, the flock, and sound teaching.

[Act 20:28-31 ESV] 28 Pay careful 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. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

With all of this biblical background on sheep and shepherds, Peter tells elders to "shepherd the flock of God." He makes it clear that shepherding should not be under compulsion, for shameful gain, or domineering. Instead, they must be examples to the flock.

[1Pe 5:1-4 ESV] 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Our future, eternal home will be amazing. Jesus, the Lamb, will be our shepherd.

[Rev 7:16-17 ESV] 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Conclusions

What does this mean for elders and church leaders?

Here are a few observations which are based on Laniak's own observations in his book titled Shepherds After My Own Heart:

#1 Elders are shepherds who are accountable to God for the well-being of the church (i.e., sheep).

#2 Elders are shepherds who seek to benefit the flock, even at a personal cost.

#3 Elders are under-shepherds who serve under the chief shepherd (i.e., our Triune God).

#4 Bad elders/shepherds use the flock to serve their own needs.[17]

How then can shepherds practically shepherd the flock of God?

One helpful way to describe the shepherding work that elders do in a local church is this:

#1 Shepherds know the sheep

#2 Shepherds feed the sheep

#3 Shepherds lead the sheep

#4 Shepherds protect the sheep.[18]

Here are some thoughts and real-world implications:

• Shepherds must feed the sheep Scripture. Learning the depth of God's Scriptures is not something that is reserved for just shepherds or a few mature sheep. Instead, it is the food that sheep feed on and one of the ways the Spirit makes sheep mature. (I heard it said that the church, worship service, or preaching isn't for Christians, but that is not biblical. Sheep are not intended to be self-feeders. Plus, there is a good reason God has given teachers to the church as one of the spiritual gifts!)

• Shepherds must know the sheep to accurately care them. If a church grows large, then perhaps more elders are needed?

• Shepherds should protect the sheep from false teachers by accurately describing error and refuting it. (Knowing Scripture, theology, and church history are helpful in this endeavor. Also, it's important to keep in mind theological triage. We should treat primary, secondary, and tertiary issues in different ways.)

• We should not expect pastors to be perfect. All shepherds are imperfect and will fall short of the perfect example of Jesus. He is the only perfect shepherd.

• Nevertheless, shepherds that are unqualified and not shepherding (see 1 Tim. 3 and 1 Pet. 5) should not be shepherds.

• Moreover:

  • The sheep are not to be used for a shepherd's selfish ambition.

  • The sheep on a church staff are not merely employees. They should be shepherded as well!

  • The sheep are more than just volunteers. (As a side note, a compassionate shepherd is also concerned with sheep that are volunteering too much!)

  • The sheep are not merely means to accomplishing a vision.

  • The sheep are the mission (read Matthew 28:19-20 closely).

  • The sheep do not belong to the shepherd. They are God's flock.

  • The sheep should never be abused, treated harshly, or domineered (see 1 Tim. 3 and 1 Pet. 5).

So, do you remember the picture we began with of the shepherd who domineered and harshly abused his flock? This is a shepherd in name only. A shepherd is supposed to protect and care for the sheep. If he mistreats them, then he is not actually shepherding them.

Shepherds should smell like the sheep. They spend time with the sheep. They care for the sheep. They feed the sheep. They lead the sheep. They protect the sheep.

So, here is my prayer:

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen" (Heb. 13:20-21 ESV; emphasis mine).

End Notes:

[1] Timothy Z. Witmer, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2010), 3.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.; author's emphasis.

[4] Timothy S. Laniak, Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006), 42.

[5] Ibid., 42-43.

[6] Ibid., 43.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid., 44.

[9] Ibid., 46.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid., 51.

[12] Ibid., 55.

[13] Ibid.

[14] Ibid., 56.

[15] Ibid., 58.

[16] Ibid.

[17] Ibid., 247-252.

[18] Timothy Z. Witmer, The Shepherd Leader, vii.