The word shepherd conveys a mental image of a man with a rod standing watch over a vast field carefully tending his sheep. In the Christian world, a shepherd conveys the image of Christ and passages such as John 10. In our daily context, this word may even bring up a mental image of our local church pastor or our spiritual leaders.

This meaningful word is charged with meaning—theological, spiritual and practical. But have we mistakenly placed expectations on our human leaders that can only be upheld by Christ as the Good Shepherd? What is it reasonable to expect from our church leaders and what needs can only be met by Christ?

The Lord is our Shepherd, but what about our pastor? Where does he fit and what is his role in our lives as disciples of Christ?

What Did Shepherds Do in Biblical Times?

In Biblical times, shepherds were an essential part of society even though they were viewed as being on the lower end of the social ladder. The role of a shepherd included protecting flocks from predators, feeding and watering the flocks, counting and caring for individual sheep, as well as providing medical care when necessary and guiding flocks to different terrain depending on the season and needs of the flock. Curiously, in Middle Eastern culture, shepherds guided their sheep from the front of the flock, calling to them in order to guide and lead them. Thus Jesus’ words in John 10:27:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27, NKJV

Shepherds in Bible times spent hours outdoors, sometimes in the roughest of conditions and weather. They needed to be alert both day and night to protect their flocks and they needed to be capable of providing care in various circumstances.

The Biblical Role of a Shepherd in Regards to Christ

Like these shepherds, Christ is the provider of care, protection, food, water, guidance and direction. It is no wonder that Christ was the prophesied Shepherd of His Church.

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” – Isaiah 40:11, NKJV

“‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. 16 “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”‘ – Ezekiel 34:11-16, NKJV

Jesus himself spoke of himself as the foretold Shepherd:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” – John 10:11, NKJV

I would encourage you to read John 10 in its entirety. For now, I want to highlight that Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd of his flock is to:

• Care
• Protect
• Feed
• Water
• Guide
• Lead
• Nurture
• Comfort
• Find the lost
• Give rest
• Strengthen
• Heal the sick

This is in wide contrast to John 10:10:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10, NKJV

This contrast provides us with a clear idea of Christ’s role as a Shepherd. He gives life, and life abundantly. Anything contradicting this and with the intent and purpose of stealing, killing and destroying has its origin in the enemy. This is a great key to identify good shepherds from evil ones.

What does it look like to be shepherded by Christ? David showcases this beautifully in Psalm 23, which we will look at later.

The Biblical Role of a Shepherd in Regards to Christian leaders

In a similar way, Christ has appointed men and ministers to care and tend for his flock. What does the Bible say about the job of ministers in caring for the Church?

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV

“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, NKJV

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:2-4, NKJV

Here is a list to sum up the responsibilities of our leaders and shepherds:

• Proclaim and teach God’s Word – 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 5:17
• Feed the flock spiritually – John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28
• Hold fast to and defend sound doctrine; protect from bad doctrine – Titus 1:9
• Correct and rebuke in love – 2 Timothy 4:2
• Provide spiritual leadership as living examples – 1 Peter 5:3
• Serve out of love for Christ with no selfish motive – 1 Peter 5:2
• Equip believers – Ephesians 4:12

In many ways, the work of a pastor and minister is like that of Christ. Our earthly shepherds are charged with the task of overseeing the church in the manner that has been showcased by Christ himself. They are called to lead, love, guide and instruct like Christ himself did. Seeing their responsibilities, we can take a moment to appreciate their hard work and labor and to celebrate their dedication to pour out their lives in such a way.

Note: Unfortunately there are human leaders who have not followed Christ’s footsteps and have abused their position and authority as overseers of Christ’s flock. In these cases, Christ himself is the judge, and He will protect, defend and guide us as his sheep. Our job is to honor Christ and our leaders. Christ’s job is to convict and judge those who have abused their position and power.

Realistic Expectations of Christ and Leaders

The role of a human shepherd and Christian leader is inevitably connected to the role of Christ as Good Shepherd because it originated in Him. Therefore, there is a high responsibility and standard to which human leaders are held. They hold very similar roles, and yet there are some key points we must remember.

There are many expectations we may have set upon Christian leaders that can only be met in Christ. In no way do I mean to excuse the shortcomings and failures of leaders. But I do mean to make you reflect on your own relationship with Christ and your expectations of Him and your spiritual leaders.

“The Lord is my Shepherd…” Before being led by any human or leader, you are meant to be led by Christ. If a leader has more say over your faith than Christ, something is out of balance. If you expect more from a human leader than you seek to get met out of Christ, you will fall into bitterness, resentment and disappointment.

“I shall not want.” Because the Lord is my Shepherd, he is also my provider. Yes, leaders are there to guide, instruct, and impart the word to me. And yet, Christ is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. If we are looking to human leaders first to get our spiritual needs met and we are placing them as our source of bread and water, we will come up empty because only Christ is the one who satisfies. Leaders and pastors impart to us the Living Water and Bread of Life. But if we want ministers themselves to become the bread and water, our priorities and expectations are distorted.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Jesus is the one who provides guidance and rest. Yes, our spiritual leaders are there to provide guidance, but they are meant to be there as the guardrails of our faith, not as the path of our salvation. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We can expect guidance and confirmation from our leaders, but if we are expecting them to be our way, our truth and our life then we’ve begun ignoring the leadership of the Lord in our personal lives. Jesus is the leader who provides the rest and guidance we need.

“He restores my soul.” Pastors can be great counselors. In fact, I encourage you to seek your pastor as a counselor if you find yourself in need of one. Christ provided them to help lead and care for us. But your pastor cannot restore your soul. What he can do is lead you to the One who saves, heals and delivers. Don’t expect your pastor to heal and fix you. That is Christ’s place. Your pastor can help you, but ultimately, the one who restores and revives your soul is Jesus.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Pastors guide, warn, protect, and correct us when necessary. In fact, we should consider it a privilege when a pastor corrects us in love because in doing so they are showcasing how they care for our wellbeing. And yet, your pastor cannot be your moral compass all the days of your life 24/7. That is the job of Jesus. He is the one that leads and directs you and he shows you how to live righteously. He is there for you 24/7 and He will guide you because that is who He is. Your pastor points you to Jesus, but Jesus himself is the one who should hold the place as your inner compass.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me.” Christ is the one who will hold your hand in the middle of troubles. Yes, your pastor may be there to encourage you, but ultimately it is Christ’s job to lead you through and out of the valley. He is the one who gives you peace and comfort. Christ is the lamp unto your feet, your firm foundation, your rock and shield. Pastors can come alongside us to encourage and build us up, they may even walk alongside us during troubles, but they were never meant to be our light and salvation. That role belongs to Christ.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” It is Christ whom we should go to first for comfort. We have the Spirit, and He is our Comforter. Before we run to men, let us learn to run to Christ. He is ever present and always ready.

“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Our main source of nutrition, provision, protection, defense, anointing, light and joy is Christ. Our incredible leaders point us towards this source, and it is our job to honor them by pursuing Christ above all else.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The goal of our earthly leaders is to guide us into a deep and mature relationship with Christ. The best way to honor them and serve them is by making it our life’s goal to pursue the Good Shepherd above all else. When we live in communion with Christ, we will live a life abounding with goodness and mercy. Let us honor our earthly shepherds and spiritual leaders by living in a place of intimate relationship with our Good Shepherd. He is our source and we were created to dwell in communion with him.

The Role of Every Believer as Christ’s Sheep

In conclusion, love and honor your spiritual leaders. Speak well of them in their presence and absence. Make it a joy for them to lead you. Seek their counsel, seek their prayers, and serve them to the best of your ability.

Above all, remember not to place unrealistic expectations on them and ask them to be something that only Christ can be to you. We are all sheep in Christ’s eyes, therefore let us live a life of honor, love, service and pursuit of the Good Shepherd above all else.

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, NKJV

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” – Hebrews 13:17, NKJV

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