It’s easy to get distracted from what matters most. People often find themselves pulled in countless directions, chasing after good things while missing the best thing. In the context of a church, that is where the pastor, often referred to as a shepherd, comes in.
The Shepherd’s Primary Calling
In 1 Peter 5: 2-4 (NIV), the apostle gives the direct command to church leaders: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
The most important part of this passage is easy to overlook. Peter begins with what seems like an obvious statement: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” Why would he need to say something so apparent? Because it must be tempting for pastors to look past their own congregation to shepherd something or somebody else.
From the beginning, a pastor must be committed to shepherding the church to which they’ve been called. Not the shepherd to another platform or audience.
What Does a Shepherd Do?
What exactly does it mean to shepherd a congregation? It comes down to three essential functions:
- A Shepherd Feeds the Flock
A shepherd’s primary job is to make sure the flock is fed the Word of God. A shepherd knows which sheep are weak and need another dose of the Word. A shepherd also knows when some sheep have been feeding on what they shouldn’t be.
The pastor’s responsibility should be to provide spiritual nourishment that helps people grow in Christ. This can be done in corporate gatherings, in smaller settings, and in one-on-one conversations. - A Shepherd Protects the Flock
Protection involves guarding against false doctrine and heresy, but there is also another danger: methods and behaviors that use the language of Jesus without the spirit of Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NIV). The way of Jesus is just as important as the truth of Jesus. Too often, even churched people can baptize harmful behavior in religious language and still treat others poorly. Part of a pastor’s role is to protect the congregation not just from false teaching, but also from false ways. - The Shepherd Guides the Flock
The word “guide” is chosen intentionally over “lead.” The shepherd’s job is to do everything possible to help the congregation thrive in their relationship with God, to lead souls to green pastures, and to nurture a rich walk with the Lord.
Focused on What Matters Most
Eugene Peterson once reflected on Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. In a turbulent scene where sailors are fiercely pursuing the whale, there is one man who appears to be doing nothing: the harpooner. Peterson explains that “to ensure the greatest efficiency in the dart, the harpooners of this world must start to their feet out of idleness and not out of toil.”
It may appear to be idleness, but it is not laziness. It is a focus. It is determination. A readiness to say, “Here is my task.” In the same way, a pastor should want to be prepared when hearts need to hear the love, grace, or power of God. The pastor’s goal is to be ready with the word that pierces when it is most needed.
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Pastor Matt Pearson on September 28, 2025. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.
