The Biblical Practicality of a Plurality of Shepherds

[mattcapps]

In biblical literature “one evidence of God’s blessing [within the context of shepherding] was the -multiplication of flocks.” Now, like any metaphor the correlation breaks down at certain points. As we consider the metaphor of shepherd in light of the pastorate it is important to note that numerical growth of a church is not always a sign of God’s blessing. But, when true gospel-centered pastoral ministry is taking place there will always be growth, and often times that growth will be numerical. As this growth occurs it is important to remember that, as Laniak argues, “…the condition and growth of a flock depends greatly on care.” The Hebrew and Greek verbs for shepherding found in the scriptures contain a range of meaning including feeding, leading (i.e. to pasture) and general tending (oversight) – language that connotes care. Moreover, the metaphor for shepherding translates into the context of local church leadership “because the people of God are referred to figuratively as sheep, those who tend to their needs and exercise leadership over them are figuratively called shepherds.”

According to Laniak the contextual practice of shepherding teaches us that “…while a competent shepherd can handle as many as 500 sheep and goats alone in open pasturelands, the comprehensive work of animal husbandry over the course of a year requires a number of able workers.” Numbers and the method of determining the number of shepherds aside , the point is this, it seems wise to have a plurality of shepherds in order that the flock may be properly cared for. There seems to be some wisdom in this practice as one looks at the nature of shepherding as it relates to pastoral leadership.

The New Testament pattern of shepherds within the local church seems to follow the idea of a plurality. Moreover, in almost every reference in the New Testament, the term for elders is found in plural. New Testament scholar D.A. Carson notes that, “a plurality of elders, if not mandated, appears to have been common, and perhaps the norm.” Therefore it is important to establish a plurality of shepherds among the flock, and to be raising up new shepherds as the flock grows. A plurality of shepherds shows the importance of care among the flock. In fact, Laniak points out that “responsible shepherds know every member of their flocks in terms of their birth circumstances, history of health, eating habits and other idiosyncrasies. It is not uncommon to name each goat and sheep and to call them by name” – thus showing a special bond between the shepherd and their flock. This seems only possible when there is a good ratio of shepherds within the flock. If anything this is a case for plurality of shepherds from the standpoint of biblical pragmatism.

[kelly5966]

Matt ... I think a foundation for growth in leadership (or 'shepherdship') relative to the growth of the flock is reasonable from a practical standpoint. Again, we know that purpose determines program. The question is ... are we growing our leadership for the mere sake of growth, or are we intentional about expected outcomes. I dare say that ministries exist today, within Evangelical circles no less, that have acquired a considerable staff that seldom interact with the actual flock. They are hired as marketing executives, or accountants that merely address the business aspect of the ministry. Why? Because this IS the primary focus of the ministry - increased revenue. Sad, but true, in some isolated cases. Fortunately, the bulk of ministry occurring in the field certainly does not reflect this model. However, the same principle will apply. Unless we are deliberate about expected characteristics and outcome of a fully devoted follower of Christ (disciple), in faithful response to the Great Commission, we are chasing the wind. What is the product of the church - from a biblical perspective? Once this question is answered, we then have to decide as under-shepherds how we have been gifted to develop those within our field of responsibility. Acquired leadership should be strategically placed within the organization to reinforce these values, characteristics and expectations throughout the body.
As shepherds we are challenged to "equip" or enable the flock to "do" the work of ministry. I think this is a healthy guardrail to keep before the leadership in order to avert wayward consequences. An inherent danger within denominationalism is the ongoing desire to measure, identify, or quantify what God is doing. At best, this is often man-centered or denominational-centered, and does not reflect all that God is doing in the hearts and minds of His people.
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Mike Kelly
Executive Pastor
Village Bible Church
Hot Springs Village, AR