Shepherding God's Flock

Shepherding God’s Flock; A Divine Calling

1 Peter 5:2

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.”

Thank God for Pastors after God’s own heart. Pastors who feed the flock and not fleece the flock. Today we have come to celebrate one of God’s most humble servants, Pastor Charles Robertson, Sr. who have fervently worked the field that God has called him to for 31 years! That’s a long time! Three Decades! 372 months! 1,612 weeks! 11,315 Days! To Shepherd (notice I said shepherd) God’s flock one must be committed to the call! It is God who calls and places the Pastor. Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” It is God who gives Pastors.You need a pastor to lead you! God made it that way. Sheep without a shepherd will soon loose their direction, scatter, and fall prey to their enemies. God’s people are like sheep, which is why he gives them Shepherds. Matthew 9:36 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Here in our text Peter instructs elders to care for the flock of God, emphasizing leadership that is willing, eager, and not for shameful gain, reflecting the nature of Christ as the Good Shepherd.

Pastoral leadership is a sacred calling to shepherd God's people with love and accountability, mirroring the heart of Christ for His church. Today we have come to praise God for leadership in the pulpit that seeks to serve and honor God! Leadership that still believes in integrity! Leadership that is not afraid to tell you what thus says the Lord! We are living in a time where there are those in leadership who make a mockery out of God in the pulpit. The right leadership in the pulpit, leadership that honors God is leadership that emphasizes stewardship of God’s truth and the church. As pastors we are called to preach the Gospel faithfully, avoiding distractions from personal motives or societal issues. The job of the pastor, the one who shepherds the flock of God is to manage God’s household and care for the congregation, ensuring that what we preach align with scripture while also addressing relevant issues with integrity.

1. Shepherds Called to Serve

1 Peter 5:2a

FEED THE FLOCK OF GOD WHICH IS AMONG YOU.....

The word “pastor” is a synonym for “shepherd.” It is the shepherd’s job to take the flock to the place where they ca feed themselves. Ordinarily, the shepherd doesn’t bring feed to the sheep; he takes the sheep to where they can graze. The shepherd has to make them understand why they have to leave one field to move over into another. At times it might appear that the shepherd is being mean and cruel in order to get those sheep to do what they need to do. From what I have learned, sheep are relatively simple creatures. If they aren’t guided and tended properly they will cause their own deaths. Shepherds are called to lead and guide the church, mirroring Christ’s leadership. This leadership is not about power but service, emphasizing a willingness that aligns with God’s call. Remember, the pastor’s work is the mission and welfare of the church, so when a member doesn’t respect him and his office, but instead resists and rebels against his God-appointed leadership, the work of the entire local body of Christ is hindered. The church needs sheep and not goats! You know how you can tell the difference between a sheep and a goat? A sheep follows but a goat buts! Every time the pastor cast vision, there’s a BUT! And every church got a sheep goat! Now do you know what a sheep goat does? He leads the sheep to the slaughter. The sheep goat blends in with the sheep but he got enough sense to turn before he gets slaughtered but the sheep walks right in.

2. Shepherds Eager to Care

1 Peter 5:2b

TAKING THE OVERSIGHT THEREOF

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Shepherds eagerly care for their flock, reflecting Christ's enthusiasm for His people. This eagerness leads to genuine, heartfelt service that fosters trust and growth within the congregation. It was once said people aren’t so much concerned with what you know until they know how much you care! It is the job of the shepherd to watch over the welfare of his sheep. He puts himself in harms way to protect the sheep. He doesn’t run from the wolves and allow the wolves to eat/ravage the sheep. He fights off the wolves. There’s a major difference between a Shepherd (pastor) and a hireling! The shepherd cares for his sheep. Just like God cares for us.

Sheep are notorious followers, and one day a shepherd noticed that one of his sheep was going astray. Instead of scolding it, he knelt down and whistled softly, beckoning it to return. We too tend to stray, but God gently invites us back with love rather than harshness. That’s the kind of care we can expect from our Shepherd.

You can’t pastor people if you don’t love them. Because if you don’t love them they will have you saying some stuff that’s not becoming of a Shepherd.

3. Shepherds Serve with Integrity

1 Peter 5:2c

NOT BY CONSTRAINT, BUT WILLINGLY; NOT FOR FILTHY LUCRE, BUT OF A READY MIND.

Shepherds must avoid serving for shameful gain, reflecting Christ’s pure intentions. Christian leaders are accountable to God and should model integrity and selflessness. This word constraint in the greek is anankastos which means by compulsion. So what the apostle is saying don’t serve with the wrong motive. But serve from a pure place with a pure heart. Harvey Watkins said it best, It’s in my heart to serve the Lord! When you serve with a pure hear, it doesn’t matter what others say or do, you know only what you do for Christ will last. He says not only must you serve from with a pure heart but don’t serve for money. Let me tell you, if you trying to be rich, you’re in the wrong profession. Money should not be the driving force of how you serve. Because if that’s the driving force you won’t perform well! But I’ve learned that God keep good books! I’m a living witness! If you take care of God’s business, He will take care of yours! So, be ready at all times. With a clear conscious. SOBER MINDED!

As I hurry to a close our text is tailored to teach us that pastoral leadership is a sacred responsibility that reflects the character of Christ.

The shepherd David once wrote, 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.' In this statement, we see the deep relationship between the shepherd and the flock. It's an illustration of how God, as our Shepherd, provides not only for our needs but also for our spiritual growth. Pastors are called to emulate this relationship, leading their congregations with love, meeting their needs, and helping them to trust in God's provision. The heart of a true shepherd is to reflect God's care.

Christ is the ultimate Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” The call for pastors to shepherd reflects the nature of Christ's sacrificial love and guidance, connecting the role of leadership within the church to Christ Himself as our leader and protector.