Articles
The Response and Responsibility of the Flock
The Response and Responsibility of the Flock
Bryan Garlock
The fact that shepherds have a responsibility to God’s flock is established in Scripture. However, what is the response and responsibility of the flock to the shepherds?
For example, Paul instructed, “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” (1 Tim. 3.11). Contextually speaking, the requirements of the wife is settled within the qualifications of the deacons; though, who would so contend that this does not apply to the wife of an elder? Simply put, if the wife of a man desiring the office of a deacon may ruin his chance by not being faithful in all things, surely the wife of an elder may do the same. Interestingly, how often we do consider such things? Therefore, wives have a responsibility to be faithful in all things so that their husbands are not hindered in serving the flock (in whatever capacity they can). Finally, it should be noted that as the elder and deacon can be disqualified due to their no longer satisfying the qualifications, a wife’s behavior can disqualify her husband as well. She has a very serious responsibility. Brethren, let us remember the wives of these men in our prayers. They are the emotional and behind-the-scenes support for the leadership that serves us.
Notice that the same understanding applies to his children. They can destroy a man’s chance to serve as quickly as they can disqualify a man from service (1 Tim. 3.4-5; Titus 1.6). Children managed by the leaders must always be blameless before all. They have a challenging responsibility, that of keeping pure amid impure peers and in a dark world that screams for their attention. Let us encourage them and keep them in our prayers.
Next, the Bible says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Heb. 13.17, ESV). One of the duties of a shepherd is to oversee the spiritual condition of the flock. In other words, the purpose of the leaders is to enforce the law of Christ within the church. Since pastors are the watchmen of our souls, overseeing the flock - those who are new converts, spiritually weak, rebellious, or even strong members - can create an emotional and mentally-challenging environment in which they do their work.
Therefore, the solution to this is to “let them do this with joy and not with groaning”. Through imitating their faith (Heb. 13.7) and obeying their direction, the submissive flock produces a peaceful environment - a situation where elders may eagerly hold fast to their desire of the office (cf. 1 Tim. 3.1; 1 Peter 5.2). This is the responsibility of every member.
Beyond this, an unruly member or membership creates nothing but disorder and a burdensome condition for the elders. Rebellious members who are unruly because they keep returning to sin, display an unwillingness to mature in their faith, or simply refuse to obey both God and the elders are a constant “thorn in the flesh” to both leadership and the church. It takes continual exhorting, worrying, and rebuking just to keep these brethren faithful. No wonder Paul said, “…I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears…” (Acts 20.31, cf. 20.19).
The Bible commands us to submit to one another with humility (Eph. 5.21; 1 Peter 5.5). When one humbles himself, he will submit to his leaders who have been appointed by man but ordained by God. In other words, the Holy Spirit has made them overseers predicated upon satisfying the Spirit’s qualifications (see 1 Tim. 3.1ff; Titus 1.5ff; Acts 20.28). Since this is the case, we must carefully examine the qualifications and compare them to the men under scrutiny; otherwise we will appoint an un-ordained-by-God man.
Paul instructed, “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 Thess. 5.12-13, ESV).
Another way to a peaceful atmosphere is through respect and admiration. We all understand completely what it is like to be admonished by a higher power; it is not desired and humility is required to receive it. However, understanding the obligations God has placed on the leaders only facilitates our love and respect for them. These men are to serve us with humility, not lording over us, but demonstrating compassion and genuine concern for us. How can we not appreciate that?
Additionally, not only do obedient members create peace, but “be at peace among yourselves” implies a united membership void of any conflict (cf. Eph. 4.1-6; Col. 3.5-17). When a membership “bites and devours” one another (Gal. 5.15), you can be sure leadership is emotionally drained, experiencing severe mental suffering, and utterly miserable. Brethren, this is what God has called us to avoid. Let us seek to help elders serve with joy and not with groaning, which is only advantageous for us.
Lastly, it is the flock’s obligation to call upon the pastors. James instructed, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5.14, ESV). When one is sick, it is his responsibility to call on the elders. Obviously, overseers continually survey their flock keeping alert to the needs of each individual sheep. However, James places this obligation on the member himself. Reader, when was the last time you or someone you knew followed these inspired instructions? Though some find difficulty with this verse as to the nature of the sickness (whether it is physical or spiritual), what better way to seek for God’s help in healing whatever illness you may have than to call on those who are righteous to pray over you (James 5.16)? Are we taking advantage of this obligation and blessing?
To summarize, the obligations that God has placed on the elders imply obligations to be met by the membership. Consider the implications of the following functions:
- The shepherds are to shepherd (feed, tend to, guide) the flock; therefore, the sheep must be willing to eat, grow, and be cared for (Acts 20.28; 1 Tim. 3.4-5; 1 Peter 5.2; cf. Eph. 4.11-16).
- The shepherds rule over and admonish the flock; therefore, the sheep must respect their leaders and remain at peace among themselves, including having a willing mind to humbly receive admonitions, both encouraging and reproving (1 Tim. 5.17; 1 Thess. 5.12-13).
- The shepherd is God’s steward; therefore, the sheep must trust and submit to the godly wisdom and guidance offered (Titus 1.7).
- The shepherds are to watch over the souls of the flock; therefore, the sheep must obey and submit, seeking to eliminate all unnecessary burdens (Heb. 13.17).
- The shepherds are to pray over those who are sick; therefore, the sheep must call on the elders when sick (James 5.14).
- The shepherds are to willingly and eagerly oversee God’s flock; therefore, the sheep must be willing to be overseen and eager to work under the overseer’s oversight (1 Peter 5.2).
- The shepherd must meet God-determined qualifications; therefore, the sheep must not put a man in office who does not qualify, nor should they pressure a man to serve who does not feel that he qualifies to take the office (1 Tim. 3.1-13; Titus 1.5-9).
On a side note and though this is not under review, this article unequivocally proves the mandatory membership of all Christians. The belief that one may be a child of God and forgo local membership (member-at-large) is false to the core; pray tell, who is to watch over their soul?
Brethren, we have an obligation to the elders! To reject their leadership in any manner is to reject God. Therefore, let us be submissive by willingly trusting their wisdom and rule and appreciate the spiritual care provided to us by making ourselves available to be fed, cared for, and watched over. BG
