Elder Shepherds

I Peter 5:2-3
“ Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care....”

John 10:1-18 
The greatest example of a shepherd in the Lord Jesus Himself. He is the “Good Shepherd.”  In fact, in the New Testament, only Jesus is given the title “Shepherd,” all human leaders are exhorted “to shepherd” (i.e., “do the work of a shepherd”) but Jesus alone is called the “Shepherd” of the Church. Jesus provides an example for all to follow:

•     He gives of Himself sacrificially for the sheep (vv. 11,15)
•     He protects the sheep from attack without thought of Himself (v.12)
•     He is not interested in personal gain; He tends the sheep out of love voluntarily. (v.13)
•     He knows each of His sheep intimately (v. 14) and has developed a relationship with them.
•     He is concerned for the welfare of each of His sheep. (v.13)
•     He is constantly on alert for potential danger. (v.12)

Additional references:   
Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28-32; John 21:15-17; John 10:14, 27; Psalm 78:70-71; Ezekiel 34:1-6; Ephesians 4:10-12; 1 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:9-10; James 5:14

God’s call for each Elder is to shepherd God’s flock at CPC

•     Personal communication, relationships of comfort and trust
•     Visit the distressed: orphans, widows, the sick and dying.
•     Knowing the life situations and spiritual state to encourage, counsel, support and nurture through biblical teaching and prayer.
•     Praying with and for your people.
•     Discipline and Restoration
(David Dickson, a 19th century ruling elder in Scotland)

Regular contact, possibly in small groups to be actively known by one another.

The Congregational Care Ministry Team believes the most effective way to pastorally care for our congregation is to offer a place of belonging, care and love within a context of spiritual accountability and growth.

New members join Christ Pres and participate in a new member’s orientation.

Sunday School classes, led by leadership teams, can shepherd and offer community care.

Build relationships in a small group, or become organized by neighborhood or proximity. 

Children grow up together in Christian community, experiencing and coming to understand the meaning of loving and care for one another.

The greatest benefit of shepherding comes in long-lasting relationships with other believers that endure difficulty, time and miles.

Contact Buz Graham, Director of Congregational Care