“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)
Practical Suggestions
Paul describes the overseer’s service as a “fine work” (1 Timothy 3:1). However, this is not about aspiring to an elevated position or any kind of authority. On the contrary: local shepherding requires selflessness and willingness to sacrifice, and is at times “rewarded” with misunderstanding or even rejection. Nevertheless, in the deepest sense this service is “fine” – above all because God Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ carry it out. Both the earthly people Israel and the believers of the dispensation of grace are the object of this service (cf. Psalm 80:2; John 10:1–30; 1 Peter 5:4).
Shepherds are present
When God had to pronounce a “woe” over the selfish shepherds of Israel, He presented Himself as Shepherd. The first thing He said was: “Behold, I am against them” (Ezekiel 34:11). This is also of great significance for all who carry out shepherding: they usually stay with the flock, seek closeness to the sheep, and are approachable at all times.
Sometimes it is enough simply to go and see fellow believers in order to give them time and a listening ear. There do not always have to be special concerns in order to “knock” on someone’s door.
Shepherds show interest
After the “Behold, I am against them” comes “and I will demand My sheep from them” (Ezekiel 34:11). Because the shepherd has the well-being of the believers at heart, he seeks them out. If he has not heard from them for a long time, he inquires about them. It is not curiosity or a compulsion to control that drives him, but love alone. For a true shepherd’s heart only comes to rest when the believers live in happy fellowship with their Lord.
A phone call, an email, or a visit should never be a nuisance to us – even when it involves effort. The spiritual health of the “sheep” should always take priority over one’s own interests.
Shepherds pray
With all gratitude and joy over what God’s grace accomplishes in the hearts of the believers, a shepherd also perceives the lack and the dangers that threaten the flock. That drives him to prayer. An example of this is Epaphras, a brother who was able to assess well the spiritual condition of his home assembly in Colossae and therefore continually struggled for them in his prayers, so that they would stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).
Whether someone truly has a heart for his fellow believers is shown not least by the fact that he gives thanks, prays, or even pleads for each individual. Sympathy and antipathy play no role here – every believer is equally close to his heart.
Shepherds work in the homes
Without question, public instruction is extremely important. I wish we had much more of it. The work of the teacher is of inestimable value, and when it is done with the deep and tender affection of a shepherd’s heart, it can indeed meet many needs of souls. But the loving shepherd who thoughtfully, with prayer and in faithfulness, goes from house to house, can share in the deep exercises of the soul, the concerns of the heart, the pressing questions, the burden of the conscience. With deep compassion he can respond to countless small circumstances and worries. He can kneel before the throne of grace together with those who are tried, with those who are in temptations, with the broken and the mourning. Together they can pour out their hearts and experience comfort from the God of all grace and the Father of mercies.”[1]
There is hardly anything to add to this quotation from C. H. Mackintosh. On the one hand, it shows how valuable and necessary the public ministry (of instruction) is. On the other hand, it makes clear that good instruction in the assemblies, at Bible days, or on the internet is not sufficient by itself. Even in Ephesus, where Paul “declared to you the whole purpose of God” and for over two years “reasoned daily in the school of Tyrannus,” he was on the go night and day in order “to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 19:9–10; 20:27, 31). Precisely in view of the looming dangers, Paul reminded the elders of his own shepherding.
Through books, magazines, and websites, good food comes into many homes, and useful articles can be found on many topics and questions or problems. Nevertheless, ministry to individual souls cannot be replaced by anything else. A personal conversation with deep inner involvement (“tears”) often has a very different effect on heart and conscience than a general message that one selects for oneself.
Shepherds work together
It is striking that the New Testament always speaks of overseers in the plural. These are the ones who are to shepherd the assembly of God in their place. But how are they to carry out their service – each by himself, or better together? We find no direct instructions on this. One thing, however, is clear: Often it is not helpful if several brothers are brought in right away in personal matters.
So what does God intend with the plurality? On the one hand, He thus prevents the abuse of authority; on the other hand, He prevents a one-sided assessment that could likewise harm the believers. Therefore it seems sensible and beneficial when brothers who watch over the souls of others exchange thoughts. For not everyone perceives the same things. An objective picture generally arises only through comparing impressions, observations, and experiences. Not without reason the wise Solomon says: “In an abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14).
Whether such a shared exchange, accompanied by prayer, takes place regularly or by arrangement is secondary. Nor does the exchange necessarily always have to take place with the same people. In any case, the shepherds should always be aware that they serve under the leadership of the Chief Shepherd. That keeps them humble, gentle, and self-critical (cf. Galatians 6:1) and preserves them from presumptuous and arbitrary action.
True shepherding always takes place in the mind of the Lord – in humility. Admonitions are expressed in the “gentleness and meekness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:1). And in working together, the following applies: “with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4). Only if shepherding takes place in harmony and unity can one expect the flock to remain together.
Therefore be alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not stop admonishing each one with tears.
Acts 20:31
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