THE HEART OF A SHEPHERD: 7 Ways Elders Can Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus

Our elders have decided to add some men to the eldership in Summerdale. This is an exciting time but also a time to remain sober and prayerful. We spent some time considering the qualifications of an elder, the scriptural purpose of their work and the necessity for serving the Lord in any capacity. I’ve preached on it and written about it to help our congregation see the tremendous responsibility and wonderful blessing it is to have shepherds that follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

The church is not just an organization; it is a flock, and every flock needs good shepherds. In the New Testament, the role of an elder is presented as a high calling, a sacred trust to care for the souls of God's people. And who better to learn from than the ultimate shepherd, Jesus Himself? Jesus clearly made a distinction between a shepherd and a hired hand (John 10:11-15). A shepherd (elder) has in his heart a God-given love for the sheep and a desire to care for those entrusted to him. The hired hand is unwilling to become as emotionally involved—unwilling to confront the dangers that threaten the sheep—unwilling to truly love the people under his care.  As you consider a man for the role of an elder, how should evaluate him? I like to consider a man in light of the seven essential duties which characterize a good shepherd, like Jesus:

     1. Pastoral Intimacy - An elder must develop personal relationships with all members of the church family. He will be held to account for them. (John 10:11-14, Hebrews 13:17) In John 10:3 Jesus says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” A good shepherd knows his sheep intimately. They aren't just a number in the pews or a line item on a roster. They are individuals with unique stories, struggles, and joys.

For elders, this means investing time in personal relationships. It's about more than just a handshake on Sunday morning. It’s about visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, celebrating with the joyful, and listening with a compassionate ear. It's about knowing the names of their children, the details of their jobs, and the burdens they carry. This kind of personal knowledge builds trust and creates a safe space for people to be vulnerable.

     2. Pastoral Tutelage - An elder must provide personal biblical instruction for increasing character, skills, knowledge, faith, love, and enthusiasm. (Acts 20:20-27; I Timothy 4:16; II Timothy 3:16-17; 4:1-2 Titus 3:1-2, 8) John 10:4 says, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” Jesus didn't just give instructions from a distance. He led the way, walking the path of faithfulness and obedience. He lived out the very truths He taught. When questions are raised, or mentoring is needed, an elder needs to be equipped to teach.

Elders are called to a form of leadership emulated by Jesus. Their lives should be a living sermon, reflecting the values and character of Christ. This means being the first to serve, the first to confess sin, and the first to forgive. It means leading with humility, not with a spirit of control. When the flock sees their shepherds living out the gospel, they are more likely to follow their example and trust their guidance.

     3. Pastoral Guidance - An elder must offer objective biblical direction through conflicts, distortions in thinking, and difficult decisions for those under his care. (II Timothy 3:16-17) This guidance includes being willing to lay down your own life for the sheep. John 10:11 says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is the pinnacle of Jesus's example. He didn’t just serve His flock; He sacrificed for them. This is the ultimate act of love and selflessness.

For elders, this is not just a call to martyrdom, but a call to self-denial. It means prioritizing the needs of the flock above their own comfort, convenience, and reputation. It means sacrificing their time, energy, and resources for the good of the church. It's about a willingness to serve in the trenches, to bear burdens, and to pour themselves out for the people of God. This guidance is what causes the sheep to have even greater respect for the shepherd.

      4. Pastoral Consolation - An elder must give spiritual comfort during trials. They need to find the weak and hurting sheep. (II Corinthians 1:3-7; I Thessalonians 5:14; James 5:14) Elders can console hurting members of their congregation by first being present, sitting with them in their pain without trying to immediately "fix" it. This means listening more than talking, offering a shoulder to cry on, and creating a safe space for them to express their grief, anger, or fear.

Rather than offering empty platitudes, elders should speak words of genuine empathy and compassion, reminding them of God's unwavering love and presence even in the midst of suffering. Practical help, such as bringing a meal, running an errand, or simply following up with a text, can also speak volumes. By embodying the heart of Jesus, the ultimate comforter, elders can provide a tangible sense of hope and solidarity, showing their hurting flock that they are not alone in their struggle.

      5. Pastoral Guardianship - An elder must watch out for the enemy’s assaults on the weakness of the sheep. He must warn the sheep of danger and discipline them when they become rebellious. (Acts 20:28-31; I Thessalonians 5:14; I Timothy 6:20; II Timothy 4:1-5; Hebrews 13:17) The hired hand, Jesus warns, "sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees (John 10:12)." A true shepherd protects the flock from spiritual danger. In the New Testament, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders, "savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock" (Acts 20:29).

This protective role is crucial for elders. It means guarding the church against false teaching, worldly influences, and divisive spirits. It requires courage to confront sin, to speak truth in love, and to hold firm to biblical doctrine. It's a vigilant, prayerful ministry of safeguarding the spiritual well-being of the church.

      6. Pastoral Discipline - An elder must be willing to discipline those who are unruly or living in sin. There is a biblical process they must follow in this practice. (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:12; I Corinthians 5:1-13, II Corinthians 7:1-2; II Timothy 2:23-25, 4:2; III John 9-10)  Elders must practice church discipline with a heart of restorative love, aiming to bring a wandering member back to Christ rather than simply punishing them. This process, as outlined in passages like Matthew 18 and I Corinthians 5, should be a final, prayerful step taken after all other private efforts at reconciliation have failed. It requires immense wisdom, courage, and discernment to address sin in a way that protects the integrity of the church while preserving the dignity of the individual.

When an elder confronts sin, their primary motivation is not judgment but a genuine concern for the spiritual health of the individual and the purity of the entire congregation. This difficult but necessary duty is an extension of their pastoral care, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the flock and a reverence for the holiness of God. 

      7. Pastoral Intercession  - An elder must pray with and for those entrusted to him. Those who are wounded or hurting need to know that their shepherd is praying for them. (Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:15-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12; James 5:14)

Elders are called to be vigilant intercessors for their flock, a role that goes beyond public prayer and extends into a consistent, personal practice of lifting up their congregation before God. This involves praying for their spiritual protection against temptation and false teaching, for their growth in grace and knowledge of Christ, and for wisdom and guidance in their daily lives.

Elders should pray for specific members by name, addressing their individual struggles, whether they be related to health, family issues, financial hardship, or spiritual dryness. This focused intercession demonstrates a deep, personal commitment to the well-being of the flock, reinforcing the bond of care and trust between shepherd and sheep. Ultimately, through prayer, elders invite the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and lives of the people they serve, recognizing that true change and healing come not from human effort, but from God alone.

The role of an elder is a high and holy calling. It’s not a position of power or prestige, but a ministry of humble service. By following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, elders can lead with compassion, protect with courage, and serve with a sacrificial heart. In doing so, they become a true reflection of the one who said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

We should actively and consistently love and encourage our elders because they are a gift from God to the church. Their role is demanding, often thankless, and filled with spiritual burdens. By showing them honor, respect, and gratitude, we not only strengthen their hands in ministry but also participate in God's plan for the health and vitality of our congregation. When we lift up those who shepherd us, we are ultimately serving the Good Shepherd himself, helping to create a church family where both leaders and members thrive in love and unity.

You are loved.

Ray Reynolds, PhD

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