What Are The Good And Bad Qualities Of The Elder/Overseer/Shepherd/Pastor?

Dear Saints,

Today, as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK) Day, it is worth reflecting on the qualities of a good and bad elder, shepherd/pastor or overseer. MLK Jr, though not perfect like of us displayed for the world, good qualities of a good shepherd who even paid a high price for some of the freedoms we enjoy today in America. We need more MLKs in and outside the church.

Have you considered yourself an elder, pastor, or shepherd? We can wear these labels depending on where we are and what God has assigned us to do. Elder does not necessarily mean older but one seasoned/matured with God’s wisdom. Elder, overseer or shepherd are supervising, caring, nurturing and disciplining responsibilities.

 

We are continuing our study of 1 Peter to learn about good and bad qualities of the elder/pastor/shepherd. Let us listen as Peter speaks to the suffering pilgrims:

 

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 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 5:1-4.

 

First and foremost, these terms (elder, overseer, shepherd) used interchangeably is not a career track or position but stewardship responsibilities. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of His people. Hello pastor, the people in the church you pastor are not “my people” as some say. And it’s not your Church; it’s the Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus died, was buried and rose again for the forgiveness of sins and salvation of His Church.

 

Peter is setting order among the people of God. Our God is a God of order and require humility and submission in His family, the Church. Peter humbly acknowledged that he is also an elder with experience backed by suffering too. How can he forget his encounter with Jesus after His resurrection? Jesus said to Peter, do you love me, then tend and feed my sheep. See John 21:17-19.

 

The good qualities: Shepherd and oversee with tenderness and love. Feed the people with the sound word of God and not what they want to hear. Protect them from the wolves that would entice them away from Jesus. Shepherd eagerly and willingly. Shepherd with good examples.

 

Apostle Paul helps and spells out the qualities in 1 Timothy 3:1-7:

 

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop [Elder or Overseer], he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

 

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

 

The bad/ugly qualities: Do not shepherd grudgingly or as if you are forced to do so. Do not lord yourself over people as if you are more superior. Shepherd not for what you will get or the monetary reward. O friend, some at the extreme are racking in the money with big bank accounts and private jets. 

Some con artists who should be working with their hands are smooth talking their way in pulpits all over the world especially in America. There’s no business like the church business with often little accountability.

 

There’s definitely a reward for good work done for God. There is the “crown of glory” Jesus will give to Peter, Paul and all throughout Christian history who served God humbly with love and reverence.

 

Do you or your pastor who wear the title "Reverend" really serve God with reverential fear? I am sorry but there will be many Reverends in hell according to Jesus.

 

This lesson hits home for me. I will consider myself an elder by the grace of God. Lord, please grant me wisdom to fulfill the role you have “entrusted” to me. I pray the same for you fellow elders wherever your sphere of influence takes you to fulfill God’s assignment reverently for the glory of God. Lord, please perfect everything that concerns all people you have "entrusted" in my care. Amen.

 

Please, let us often encourage and pray for our pastors/elders and overseers among us. We all need prayers.

 

America saw a good example of an overseer last two weeks during the NFL game. The Buffalo Bills coach, Sean McDermott rallied his team to pray and care for a critically wounded player. We thank God for answering all the prayers and healing Dama Hamlin. He has been released from the the hospital for the cardiac arrest he suffered. To God be the glory. Some in America still believe and pray. We thank God.

Who or how can you be an elder to the younger people around you? We all can mentor someone and also be mentored. Happy MLK, Jr Day. It is not a "day off" but a "day on" to do good to others especially across races/tribes different from us. Let us share the gospel with all because true freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. Amen.