“In Search of a Shepherd”

Sunday, December 15, 2024

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

(Mark 6.34)

Jesus is “the great shepherd” (He 13.20); but his flock is large, and although he is with us in Spirit, he has gone away to another country, as far as the body is concerned. He gave the flock additional shepherds to guide them in his stead (Ep 4.11). This office goes by many names, which are synonyms or translations of each other, but the basic three are: shepherd, overseer (e.g. 1Ti 3.1), and elder (e.g. Ac 14.23). Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches they established, and Paul also instructed Titus to “appoint elders in every town” (Ti 1.5). These men are to teach God’s word to their flocks, silence false teaching, and exercise judgment in the everyday affairs of the church. But who, exactly, should be entrusted with these tasks? The list below is an amalgamation of what Paul told Timothy and Titus.

Blameless

Sometimes translated “above reproach,” this doesn’t mean “sinless,” or everyone would be immediately disqualified; but this is the sort of man who commits few transgressions, and confronts those few directly.

Husband of One Wife

A man must be faithful to his wife, if he is to be faithful over God’s household.

Sober-minded

This word is about a mindset more than actual drunkenness, but the idea is to contrast the judgment and behavior of an intoxicated person, to that of a sober one. Which one would you want for a guide?

Self-controlled

This shows up on both lists, and Titus’ also includes “disciplined,” from a different Greek word. The first is a rational person, not prone to flights of emotion. The other is about having the body under the mind’s control.

Not Arrogant

Sometimes translated “self-willed,” this is less about having an inflated opinion of oneself and more to do with insisting on one’s own way. It’s a behavioral arrogance, not just a mindset.

Respectable

An undignified person is not a good candidate for leadership in the church.

Hospitable

This is more than having people over for dinner from time to time, although that’s a good start. It’s about opening your home more generally, and sharing your resources with no expectation of repayment.

Lover of Good

It’s fair to ask, what Christian doesn’t love what is good? Certainly, we all should; but it needs to be clearly evident in the bishop’s manner of life.

Able to Teach

James warns Christians against becoming teachers (3.1); but a few must be, and cannot oversee the body of Christ without teaching.

Not a Drunk

This is obvious, but note that it complements the mental sobriety covered above, under the heading, “Sober-minded.”

Not Violent

This needs little explanation, but it’s worth noting that military service, for example, does not preclude serving as an elder. The problem is a tendency toward unnecessary violence—not its appropriate application.

Not Quarrelsome

“Violent” conveys action, but “quarrelsome” conveys—once again—a mindset. Not all battles involve violence, and bickering is not conducive to good leadership.

Not Greedy

Regardless of whatever earthly wealth they possess, it must be apparent that pastors love God and his kingdom, not the things of the world.

Holy

We generally think of “holy” as set apart for God. But this is a different Greek word. That one is about categorization; this one has to do with the mindset and behaviors befitting such a categorization—which is a long way to say, living with a view toward pleasing God.

Manages His Own House Well

Paul’s own commentary is most helpful here: “for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1Ti 3.5).

Not a Recent Convert

Again, Paul’s commentary is vital: “or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (v6).

Good Reputation

Paul offers nearly the same comment as with the previous, but instead of “condemnation,” he warns of “disgrace” (v7), which involves harm to the reputation of the church.

Steadfast

Paul ends the list sent to Titus by discussing the problem of “insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers” (Ti 1.10), the point being that presbyters are a bulwark against this danger.

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Much more could be said about these qualities, but the purpose isn’t to provide enough reason to disqualify every single candidate. Rather, a more helpful approach would be to cultivate these qualities, both in yourself and in those whom you have the opportunity to influence. The next several generations of Christians depend on this for good leadership in the earthly portion of Christ’s kingdom.

Jeremy Nettles

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