THE CHURCH AND HER SHEPHERDS

Unhealthy churches can not only be stressful and unpleasant, but worst of all they dishonor the Lord and give a bad witness to the world. The Apostle Paul closes his letter to the Thessalonians and gives us instructions on how to cultivate a healthy church. 
His first and primary concern was to describe the expectations and responsibilities of how a pastor is to relate to the congregation and how the church is to relate to her shepherds.
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)


The Shepherd’s Responsibility
The Shepherd is called by God to care for the sheep of the congregation. He has various responsibilities but 3 would be mentioned in his calling. 

He is responsible to 
1) Labor 
2) Oversee
3) Admonishing 

Labor: The shepherds are called to labor diligently. The word here for labor describes great effort and exertion to the point of sweat and exhaustion. Contrary to what some jokingly say, the pastor must work more than “one day a week.” He is responsible for preaching, teaching, caring, admonishing, counseling and so much more. The pastor has a high calling to diligently minister in the church and work hard (acts 20:18-20). Every pastor must have a servant’s heart ready to pour out his life night and day for the sake of the Gospel (1 Thess 2:9).

Oversee: The shepherds also have the responsibility to oversee the church. Paul says they are “over you in the Lord.” According to God’s design, the shepherds has authority in the church to preside, lead and direct the church in the way he sees will best accomplish the church. But they stand in the place of the Good Shepherd and must act as faithful representatives. This is what it means to be over others “in the Lord.” The authority of the pastor is not self-proclaimed. He only has the authority to lead as the Word of God directs.

Admonish: Shepherds are also called to admonish and give instructions to the congregation(church). This instruction is given for the purpose of correcting, and sometimes warning people (Tit 1:9). 
It is not popular today, but the sharpheds must speak directly and frankly on truths to the church. Since he loves his church, he should admonish them to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. He must speak “thus sayeth the Lord” and if he is a good shepherd will always point his church back to the Word of God exhorting them not to obey him, but rather to obey the Lord.

The Sheep’s Responsibility
The church also have responsibilities designed by God. They are called by God to relate to their shepherds in a particular manner that would bring honor to the Lord. Out of many, I would be mentioning 3
1) Respect 
2) Esteem and Care 
3) Submit to and be at peace with their shepherds.

Respect: The church is called to understand clearly what God expects of their shepherds and as a result, they are to respect them. This means that they are to appreciate that God has given them a real human shepherd to watch over and care for their souls (Heb 13:17). Respect should extend to attitudes and spoken words. It is common for people to be unkind, critical, or indifferent toward their shepherds. This is not honoring to the Lord.

Esteem and Care: The church are also to esteem and care for them highly in love because of their work.The church must have a loving attitude toward all their shepherds. They must keep in mind what work they have been called to do. This might mean overlooking some of your shepherds shortcomings. Shepherds are not perfect and are also on the journey of sanctification, just like the church. The church should also be on the look out for the proper care of the shepherds among them.

Submit & Be at Peace: The third responsibility of the church is to submit to and be at peace with her shepherds. Since the shepherds are “overseers” and have authority, the church must be willing to submit and be peaceable. Being peaceable with your shepherds means that the church is quick to eliminate conflict, strife, and discord and promote harmony so that the church can be effective in fulfilling its mission.


We all desire to have a healthy church. An unhealthy church is a black eye to the glory of the Lord and brings shame on the Gospel. We can be sure that Satan desires more than anything to destroy the Church. He will attempt to put animosity between shepherds and the church. The responsibilities that God has given both to the shepherds and the church are difficult. 
Without the power of the Holy Spirit and much prayer, it would be impossible to accomplish our Lord’s directives. We must all be aware of what the Lord expects of each of us and encourage one another for the Lord’s sake. 

Let us pray that God would continue to keep our church healthy and strong. 

Please pray for us as shepherds and that we will be faithful to our calling as we will pray for you as well.




Sermon by:
Evang Emmanuel. O