Elders are Shepherds Too

1. Elders are Shepherds Too

2. Introduction We looked at Psalm 23 We saw how God acts as a shepherd for His people But God has always given other shepherds as well to care for His people

3. Shepherds for Israel Moses & Joshua � Num 27:17 They were good shepherds Ezekiel 34:1-10 But Israel had many evil shepherds They forgot the flock belonged to God They would have to give account to God God foretold of future shepherds � Jer 3:15 Who are these shepherds?

4. Shepherds for the church Acts 20:28-31 Each church is a flock All the churches make up the entire flock belonging to God Elders / overseers are for feeding, protecting the flock among them (the local church) 1 Pet 5:1-4 They lead voluntarily and eagerly They provide examples They have to give account to the Chief Shepherd Heb 13:17

5. Sheep without shepherds A church without elders are like sheep without shepherds Yes, we have Jesus still as our Chief Shepherd But Jesus wants us to have shepherds who will feed us with �knowledge and understanding� (Jer 3:15) We need shepherds to guard and feed us We need shepherds to lead us, provide examples for us to follow

6. Shepherds We need shepherds who are like the Lord in Psalm 23 They won�t be the Chief Shepherd, but they should care for us in the same way They need to be men we can trust and follow Otherwise we won�t be proper sheep

7. Psalm 23 & Elders (v2) They should provide us with spiritual food that is always fresh (v2) They should keep us from being overwhelmed in turmoil and strife (v3) They need to watch out for Christians slipping away and bring them back (v3) They need to provide a proper example of right living � leading from the front

8. Psalm 23 & Elders (v4) They need to be constant leaders even when times are tough Not the type to �cut and run� (v4) They need to be strong, firm and compassionate Sometimes the sheep need to be culled Sometimes the sheep need comfort Shepherds need to know the difference

9. Psalm 23 & Elders (v5) They need to know difference between good and bad teaching Need to refute errors boldly and immediately so the flock isn�t poisoned (v5) They need to be concerned about even the smallest problems affecting the flock Need to be proactive, preventing problems before they arise or become serious

10. Psalm 23 & Elders (v5) They need to be able to revive the weary Recognizing the problems of the flock and finding solutions (v6) Need to inspire confidence and trust in the flock Will help a church to grow and be stable

11. Are we ready? As a church, are we ready to follow elders? There are many blessings, but there are responsibilities as well We�d have to submit, follow, and obey Are there men who are willing to take on the duties of shepherding this flock? It must be a voluntary choice Carries great responsibilities As the Lord told the shepherds of Israel (Ezk 34), if shepherds don�t carry out their duties, they will give account to God

12. Conclusion God knows we need shepherds If we are ready to have shepherds, then we can make that known Then we can look together at the qualifications and see if there are those who are qualified and willing to serve If we are not ready, then let�s discuss why not, and see what we can do to get ready