This Sunday is an important day for our church family. We will be installing four new elders this morning. There are several terms that have been used in scripture and through church history to describe this role: elder, overseer, pastor, bishop. Over the years I have come to appreciate one term over the others: shepherd. Sheep are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. A consistent theme is their need for shepherds. The church has that same need.Usually when the time comes to select new shepherds for a congregation, the two main questions asked are how and who? I would like you to think about a third question: why? There’s the obvious answer of God’s design and the example of scripture, but can we know the practical reasons why He wants the church to have shepherds? Tommy South, minister of the Glen Allen Church of Christ in Virginia, answers the why question in this way.
- We need shepherds because congregations need leadership. (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1)
- We need shepherds because congregations need stability, especially in face of opposition. (Acts 14)
- We need shepherds because congregations need instruction. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9)
- We need shepherds because congregations need models of the Christian life. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7)
- We need shepherds because congregations need protection. (Acts 20:28-31)
I believe that with Greg, David, Brent and Butch we will be adding shepherds who exemplify these answers. They will be a blessing to this church as a whole and to Jeff, Scott, Jack, Richard and Ken who are currently shepherding our flock. Please join me in being encouraging, supportive and patient with these men and their families. Pray for them regularly and for the church that God will continue to bless the work here for His kingdom. And pray that we will all follow the example of the Good Shepherd.
Brian
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14