The Encourager
“The Charge to Elders by C.G. "Colly" Caldwell”
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2–3 )
If the owner of a flock loves his sheep, he naturally takes being a shepherd as an awesome responsibility. If one loves his brethren and has been chosen to oversee them in a congregation, he knows that much is riding on each decision he and his fellow shepherds (elders) make.
Franklin Roosevelt worked hard to persuade Harry Truman to be his running mate in the 1944 presidential election. Truman wanted to go to the Senate, but he loved his country and so accepted the job with extreme reluctance. On April 12, 1945 he was summoned to the White House. There he was shown into Eleanor Roosevelt’s sitting room, where she told him that the President was dead. After a moment of stunned silence Truman asked her, “Is there anything I can do for you?” She shook her head. “Is there anything we can do for you?” she asked. “You now have the responsibility for our nation.” I like that story because it expresses the personal concern of Mr. Truman for Mrs. Roosevelt while at the same time he was reminded of his important new obligation.
The work of a bishop carries responsibilities. It is not an “honorary office.” Some elders do not understand that. Some seem to think they have gained a position “at the top.” They need instruction like that given by the mamma whale to her young calf: “When you get to the surface and start spouting off, that’s the time you’re most apt to be harpooned.” What then must elders remember to meet their responsibility, their obligation, and their charge?
It’s Not About Me
By imposing certain standards, “Not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you,” he lays the basic attitudinal fence around the overseer’s mind and heart.
There is a primary thing for elders to remember: “the flock belongs to God, not me!” Elders would do well to look at those they are leading and ask, “Who benefits most from this relationship? It should not be me!” Country singer Leann Rimes’ father structured his agent fees to make more than his daughter did. Our generation’s slogan is, “What’s in it for me?” While many of us came to Christianity with that motive, we need to grow to the point of asking, “What’s in my being a Christian for Christ? And what’s in it for others?” If you want to be a good leader in any capacity, equip yourself to render service to those who need your love and care. Elders serve willingly, not for their own gain and not with a domineering, self-centered spirit. All Christians need these same qualities of character and spirit.
Take Care of the People
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving …” Like shepherds of literal sheep, elders have the obligation to keep the sheep from straying (Hebrews 13:17), to lead them to water and pasture (1 Peter 5:2), and to protect them from danger (Acts 20:29–30). The primary function of an elder is not to watch over money, property, or business affairs, but to “watch out for your souls as those who must give account” (Hebrews 13:17).
God’s lists of required characteristics for this work (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9) do not mention formal education, popularity, business acumen, or professional standing in the community. God is looking for care-giving shepherds. Serving others is the highest calling a person can receive. Elders who are only interested in the “bottom line” from a business perspective do not understand their primary duty. Take care of the church’s resources, but try a little human compassion and tenderness. And be sure to place binding up the wounds of the hurting alongside defending the flock against predators.
Lead by Example
“Being examples to the flock …” “Do as I say, not as I do” does not work for shepherds. Albert Schweitzer once said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” That may not be completely true, but no shepherd can lead in paths he is unwilling to walk. Unlike herdsmen who drive cattle, shepherds lead. They are to be out front, not barking orders from the rear. Tom Landry, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys said, “Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react.” That being true, when it comes time for elders to make decisions, the church will follow as a matter of course.
The instruction to the church is, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct (Hebrews 13:7). Do you see how that presumes that the conduct and life of the elders will be such that brethren will gladly follow? If elders are examples of godly husbands, fathers, citizens, neighbors, and most of all Christians, the church will want to follow.
I am told that Mark Twain became embittered against Christian faith because of church leaders who owned and abused slaves, who used foul language, and who practiced dishonesty during the week after speaking piously in church on Sunday. Although he saw genuine love for the Lord and others in his mother and his wife, he was so disturbed by the poor example of church leaders that he could not respond well to the things of God. How many elders have wondered why the church would not respond well to their leadership? Perhaps, the example has not been such as to encourage that kind of loyalty.
