Elders in the New Testament - Elder, Shepherd, Pastor

Thus far in our study of New Testament elders we've looked at the explicit mentions of elders in one English translation (2011 NIV) and then also begun to consider a term (Overseer) that is used in conjunction or synonymously with elders. Today we turn to consider two more words and their various instances that also shares overlapping conceptual relevance for elders. The terms are shepherd and pastor. 

We've already read that Peter used the term "shepherd" when speaking of elders (1 Peter 5:2). Paul also included shepherding language when addressing the elders in Ephesus (Acts 20). The term "flock" is used to describe the church in relationship to the elders. This informs us of something of the nature of the relationship of the community of believers (the church) and Christian elders. 

18 times the Greek noun "ποιμήν" (Shepherd) is used in the New Testament. The vast majority of these are in the Gospels in various familiar instances. Sometimes these instances are within the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 25:32, 26:31, Mark 14:27, John 10:2, 11, 12, 14, & 16), sometimes these are descriptions of Jesus towards a group of people (Matthew 9:36, Mark 6:34), and sometimes this word is used to describe a group of sheep herding workers (Luke 2:8, 15, 18, 20). 

Outside of the four Gospels the noun form of the word "shepherd" only occurs three times: Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, and Ephesians 4:11. In both Hebrews 13:20 and 1 Peter 2:25 the word "shepherd" comes as a description of Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 13:20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

We can see already (without an extensive survey of the gospels instances of this word) that Jesus himself is identified as the "great shepherd". That there is something conceptually associated with Jesus' own work and with those who are to follow him as shepherds (IE elders/overseers). 

In Ephesians 4:11 (a letter written to that church which Paul wept with during his final goodbyes in Acts 20) we read:

4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors [shepherds] and teachers, 

This reinforces what we've already seen - that as Christ is the great shepherd, pastors/elders/overseers (all the same role with different synonyms) are under-shepherds to serve the church. 

We turn our attention from the noun form of this word to its verb form. 11 times the Greek verb "ποιμαίνω" (To shepherd) is used in the New Testament. Take a look at how this verb shows up in connection with the work of elders/overseers/pastors:

In Acts 20 we see Paul instructing the elders of the Ephesian church how they are to conduct themselves. "Keep watch" is the instruction. Elders/overseers are to be filled with care as they look out for the people of God. If I told you to please "keep watch" of my child for a moment while I used the restroom, you would have a level of responsibility for the care of my child. So too for the children of God! Shepherding language occurs multiple times in this passage, both in describing the church (flock) and the servants called to oversee the church (elders as shepherds):

Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood

In 1 Peter we see one of the apostles of Jesus use shepherding language again for both the group of believers (flock) and the overseers (shepherds). Peter was one of the disciples who was there when Jesus taught that he was "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). Peter was the one who Jesus instructed after he was risen "feed my lambs" in John 21:15 and again "feed my sheep" (John 21:17):

1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.

In the midst of a very pointed rebuke against false teachers and false teachings, Jude writes using shepherding language. This language describes the heinous and evil being committed by some who are leading the church towards destruction. Sheep die when they are not fed, yet Jude paints a vivid picture of shepherds who selfishly withhold food from the sheep and only eat for themselves - taking rather than providing. This is especially troubling when we just read Jesus' words to Peter and Peter's subsequent instructions to the elders:

Jude 1:12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead

There are four occurrences of the verb to "shepherd" in the book of Revelation (2:27, 7:17, 12:5, 19:15). All four of these uses are in reference to Jesus and are often translated as "rule" rather than shepherd in the NIV. From these uses in Revelation, we see a component to shepherding that means to have charge over, responsibility to provide, protect, and exercise authority. 

If we were to branch out this study to move from simple word occurrences to conceptual references our study would become quite lengthy indeed! As we have seen the church frequently referred to using sheep or flock/herd language, we could no doubt learn many lessons from the 39 New Testament instances of "sheep". Instead of a lengthy additional post, I'll simply include some observational comments here to close off this portion of our study:

1. Isn't it amazing to note that as a child Jesus began gathering shepherds to himself (Luke 2)? Of all the occupations for the angels of heaven to announce the news of the birth of the Messiah, the one which received this good news were third shift shepherds. Even as a newborn baby Jesus was bringing to himself shepherds who would then be sent out from his presence to return to shepherding. 

2. Jesus called the disciples and then sent them to call others. Jesus was (and is) the master shepherd instructor. Elders/overseers/pastors have a specific duty in following the master closely and caring for his people (sheep) with the greatest of care. 

3. In John 21 Peter was instructed to "feed" the sheep. What does this language mean pragmatically? We've seen it can mean teaching sound doctrine, overseeing individuals and groups, managing, resolving conflict, providing counsel, worship, exercising Godly authority, pursuing Jesus' instructions, and working as a servant for Jesus. There may be a conceptual overlap here to Psalm 34:8 "taste and see that the Lord is good". As elders feed the sheep, they demonstrate and point to the goodness of the Lord. 

As a final word I must lament and call us to pray for a moment. Think of the churches (of your church maybe) that do not have this! Think of churches with false shepherds who grow fat themselves while starving the sheep (Jude 1:12). Think of churches that lack sound teaching (Titus 1). Think of believers (sheep) who desire to seek the Lord but are being led astray by dishonest so-called leaders (1 Peter 5). God has provided for his church by giving the gift of Godly shepherds (Ephesians 4:11). Pray that God would continue to be faithful in raising, training, and then empowering His people to take hold with thankfulness the gift of Godly elders/overseers/shepherds/pastors (1 Timothy 3).