Why Every Church Needs Biblical Shepherds
Have you ever wondered why the Bible talks so much about shepherds?
From Genesis to Revelation, the imagery of shepherds and sheep shows up again and again. Abraham was a shepherd. Moses was a shepherd. David was a shepherd. And most significantly, Jesus called Himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). He even described God’s people as “the sheep of His hand” (Psalm 95:7).
But this imagery isn’t just poetic. It’s pastoral. And nowhere is that more clear than in 1 Peter 5:1–5, a passage that shows us what faithful shepherding looks like in the local church.
If we want to be biblical, we need to recover a biblical understanding of shepherds, because churches were never meant to function without them.
God Hasn’t Left His Sheep Without Shepherds
Peter wrote his first letter to Christians scattered and suffering across the Roman Empire. They were misunderstood, persecuted, and tempted to give up. So what did Peter say to them? Surprisingly, he started with a word to their leaders:
“I exhort the elders among you… shepherd the flock of God that is among you…” (1 Peter 5:1–2).
This wasn’t random. It was intentional. God had not left His people without care. In the midst of hardship and hostility, He gave them shepherds—elders—who were tasked with guarding, guiding, and growing the flock.
Notice Peter doesn’t say, “Find a CEO.” Or “Hire a visionary.” Or “Vote in a board of decision-makers.” He says, “Shepherd the flock.” That’s a call to feed, protect, lead, and love the people of God.
Biblical Shepherding Requires Biblical Structure
Also notice that Peter writes to “elders,” plural. In other words, churches weren’t led by a single man, but by a team of biblically qualified men. That’s the consistent pattern we see throughout the New Testament:
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23).
Titus was left in Crete to do the same (Titus 1:5).
And those elders were called by three terms—elder, overseer, and shepherd—all describing the same office.
This structure wasn’t man’s idea. It was God’s. And it still matters today.
Churches that ignore this design are ignoring the blueprint God has provided in Scripture. And over time, the sheep suffer for it.
Faithful Elders Shepherd Like Jesus
So what does faithful shepherding look like?
Peter gives us a clear snapshot:
“Shepherd the flock of God… exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly… not for shameful gain, but eagerly… not domineering… but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).
This is a high calling:
· Shepherds lead willingly—not reluctantly.
· They serve eagerly—not selfishly.
· They guide gently—not with heavy hands.
· They don’t act like kings. They reflect the King.
Jesus never bullied His sheep. He laid down His life for them (John 10:15). And He expects His under-shepherds to do the same.
Faithful elders aren’t in it for applause or power. They’re in it for the sheep—and for the Chief Shepherd who’s coming back.
And When He Comes, He’ll Be Looking
Peter ends this exhortation with a powerful reminder:
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4).
The reward for faithful shepherding isn’t found in titles, salaries, or public recognition. It’s found in hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
That’s the moment every elder should be living for.
But it also reminds us—eldership is not optional. It’s not a trendy model. It’s not just one way of doing church. It’s God’s design. And one day, we’ll give an account for whether we followed it.
The Church Needs Humble Leaders—and Humble Members
Peter doesn’t stop with leaders. He addresses the congregation too:
“You who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves… with humility toward one another…” (1 Peter 5:5).
Healthy churches don’t just need humble elders. They also need humble members:
Members who welcome spiritual care—not resist it.
Members who submit to God’s Word—not just their preferences.
Members who understand that biblical shepherding is a gift—not a threat.
Hebrews 13:17 says it best: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls… Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be no advantage to you.”
If you want a joyful church, this is the pathway. Joyful elders. Joyful members. Joyful submission to God’s design.
Follow the Blueprint
God has given shepherds to His church.
Not as an optional extra. But as a vital necessity.
We don’t need more CEOs. We need more shepherds. We don’t need more boards. We need more brothers. We don’t need more man-made models. We need God’s Word to shape the church.
So if you’re a pastor—shepherd the flock. If you’re a church member—submit with joy.
And if your church has never embraced biblical eldership, now’s the time to start.
Because the Chief Shepherd is coming.