The Role of the Pastor

What does it mean to shepherd God’s people? Scripture paints pastoral leadership with three defining words—overseer, elder, and shepherd. From Acts 20, 1 Peter 5, and Ephesians 4, we see that pastors are not distant authorities but present, sacrificial caretakers who protect the flock, guard against false teaching, and care deeply for God’s people. One sobering truth emerges: the greatest threats to spiritual health often come from within the church, when personal preferences are elevated to biblical commands. This message calls us to honor spiritual leaders rightly, remembering they serve under Christ, the Chief Shepherd, whose authority alone is supreme. As they watch over our souls, pastors are called not to do ministry for us, but to equip us to carry out the Great Commission together.