Calling for Shepherd Leaders

What do you think of when you hear the idea “Church Government?” Some of you have never thought about it. But others might think of stodgy deacon boards, slow moving elder boards, contentious congregational voting, or the ‘professional’ staff leadership team. You may also think in terms of power and influence. The first thoughts bring little interest to striving for leadership in a local church. The second thought brings the wrong kind of interest.

Jesus invented the ideal form of leadership: shepherd leaders called elders. When Jesus said he would build his church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18-19), he made sure to include a foundational leadership structure. The Apostles were the first leaders, then very quickly, elders were established in every church. Some of the Apostles were actually considered elders in their churches (Acts 13:1).

In the book of Acts, elder leadership became the norm with deacons (key servant leaders) being added later (1 Timothy 3). But the driving title and motif behind all leadership in the church is shepherding. We don’t live in an agrarian culture in Spokane. The shepherd motif may not have the same ring as that of a board run by a CEO or a council that is elected by the people. But, it is still the best motif for church leadership. The local church is not a business, even though it does business to some degree. The local church is not a club, even though people join as members. The local church is not a government institution, even though it has programs that serve their people.

The local church is the people of God covenanted together under shepherd leaders who care for one another and carry out the mission of God in the world.

Shepherds are the ideal motif because they actually lead among and beside, not separate and over. Even shepherd leaders are Christ’s sheep. One of the best lines I heard from a pastor about this was “this is ‘The Church I Belong To’ not ‘My Church.’” Every local church is Christ’s alone.

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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:1–5

Shepherd leaders exercise life-preserving and life-giving leadership. Peter’s energy and life flowed from what Jesus did and does for him (5:1). Elders don’t get their “juice” from the position or authority. Therefore they can lead willingly, selflessly, with meekness and setting an example for the rest of the church. They are concerned constantly with the spiritual and practical state of fellow Christians. They are consumed with what they can give, not what they get.

Shepherd leaders have an extraordinary calling. Paul calls it a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). They watch over the flock looking for spiritual predators (Acts 20:31). They are concerned with feeding the flock the word of God (John 21:15-19). They provide leadership and structure (oversight). They strategize to reach new places with evangelism (Acts 13:1-5). They solve problems and keep the church healthy (Acts 6:1-8).

Shepherds actually lead among and beside, not separate and over.

While the office of elder and overseer in the church is reserved for male leadership, the concept of shepherd leadership applies to women too. Women should act as shepherd leaders for their children, or among the women in Women’s Ministry.

Shepherd leaders (elders) must be biblically qualified. Character, ministry in the home, gifting, and doctrinal faithfulness are all pre-requisites. These are so important that the Apostle Paul gives two lists (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) and one lengthy exhortation (Acts 20). Peter also gives a lengthy exhortation (1 Peter 5:1-5). These call men to watch their lives, motives, and doctrines.

Here is the amazing reality I have experienced nearing 20 years of elder ministry. When qualified, servant hearted, caring elders lead, the church flourishes. God’s word, godly examples, and careful discipling transform and propel God’s people to greater Christlikeness and ministry impact.

Dan Jarms

Dr. Dan Jarms is teaching pastor and team leader at Faith Bible Church in Spokane Washington, as well as associate dean at The Master's Seminary in Spokane. He has been married for over 30 years to Linda, and has three adult children. He earned his B.A. in English at the Master’s College, B.Ed. at Eastern Washington University, M.Div and D.Min in Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. His other interests include NCAA basketball, woodworking, and art.

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