Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. (8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. …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 13:7-8, 17 NKJV
I can’t read Hebrews 13 without being struck by the importance of having godly leaders. The standards and responsibilities are daunting. They are supposed to speak the Word to us, give us an example of faith to follow, and have measurable fruit from the work they have done. The good ones lead with a constant awareness that they are responsible to God for the care of our souls. I recognize that no leader is going to be perfect, but I have met many who are certainly working at it.
We are not designed to do this life alone. We need each other, and we all need a shepherd to help us along the way. If you have a great pastor, thank God for it and let him/her watch for you. If you’re in search of a place to connect, submit, and develop your gifts, I want to share an excerpt from something I wrote a few years ago:
- Look for shepherds who smell like sheep. That means they spend time with the flock and are available, not just for counseling or services, but to rub shoulders with the people. Peter encourages elders to “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” He didn’t say “over,” he said “among.” There’s a big difference. Also, your pastor should have a pastor. Pastors are also sheep. In order to exercise authority, one must be under authority. If your pastor doesn’t have a pastor, find another pastor. (Acts 20:28; 1 Thess 5:12)
- Look for leaders who are in it for the right reasons. These offices are called by God. The desires to have power over people, to have a nice title, or to enjoy financial success are not good reasons. Spend enough time to see symptoms of these three things if they exist. Pride and avarice are dangerous in ministers. (1 Peter 5:2-3; Titus 1:7)
- Look for leaders who work at it. The call of God and a character that is “devoted” to it will be evident in how a leader organizes his time and resources. You want to serve with a leadership that is growing and developing both themselves and those around them. Paul told Timothy to extend double honor to elders “who labor in the word and doctrine.” The ministry is not supposed to be a cakewalk. Paul likens it to farming, war, and athletic competition. You need leaders who are willing to work at it. (1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Colossians 1:28-29)
- Look for a shepherd who feeds the sheep. Not every pastor will be a great teacher or preacher, but he or she will make sure the sheep are fed. His own teaching will be biblically sound and, if teaching is not his gift, he will allow other ministers and elders to add to the diet of the flock. (1 Timothy 4: 16; 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:2)
- Look for a leadership with a positive impact. Paul repeatedly told people to follow or imitate him as he was following Christ. That ought to be a challenging statement for a leader. You want a leader you can follow with confidence based on evidence. Their life should leave evidence of a positive impact on the lives of others over time. Hebrews 13: 7 (ESV) says it this way, “Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
It’s Sunday! I pray you find a place of safety, nurture, and challenge where you can receive the full benefit of a godly shepherd.
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