NOBLE WORK
THE FUNCTION OF SHEPHERDS

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Teaching the Faith
The apostles are the models for church elders, just as Jesus is the model for all church leaders.

• Promoting healthy belief and thus healthy believers (Titus 1:9; 2:1; 3:8).
• Guarding the gospel against different doctrine (Acts 20:30; Titus 1:11).
• Knowing, preaching, and teaching the faith (1 Timothy 3:6; 5:17).
• Ministry of word and prayer (Acts 6)

Shepherding the Flock

• Protecting the church from “wolves” (Acts 20:28-31). Among the wolves are those who cause dissension and strife.
• Ensuring good “nutrition” for the flock (John 21:15-19).
• Taking care of flock with caring authority (1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17).

Consoling the Hurting

• Consoling with the consolation they have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
• Praying and “anointing” the sick and sinful (James 5:14-16) -
• Dealing with each one gently
  • like a nurse caring for the sick
  • like a father with his children (1 Thessalonians 2:7,11).

Encouraging Christian Formation

• Nurturing Christians as Christ is formed in them (Galatians 4:19).
• Maturing believers to grow into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:14,15).
• Leading the believers to go beyond the basic teaching and toward maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Maturity and the fullness of Christ is the goal and purpose for all the gifts of the spirit.

Building Community

• Building believers into a “household of faith” (1 Corinthians 3:10-18).
• Facilitating the “one another” ministries:
  • mutually edifying (Romans 14:19);
  • accepting (Romans 15:7);
  • serving (Galatians 5:13);
  • offering hospitality (1 Peter 4:9);
  • encouraging (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14).
• Enabling us to use gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Equipping Saints for Ministry

• Equipping Christians for their God-given ministries (Ephesians 4:12).
• Encouraging each part of the body to be “joined and knit together,” working properly in love (Ephesians 4:16).
• Calling saints to be good stewards of the gifts each has received (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Facilitating Reconciliation

• Promoting oneness of mind and purpose in the body through devotion to the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-5).
• Overseeing the practice of Matthew 18.
• Romans 16:17 (“keep an eye on--and avoid-- those who cause dissensions and offenses”).
• Offering counsel to members in conflict (1 Corinthians 6:1-6).

Restoring the Fallen

• Gently restoring those who have sinned (Galatians 6:1-5)
• Affirming love and forgiveness to the penitent (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
• Saving some from the fire (Jude 23)
• Prayers of restoration (James 5:15)

Above adapted from material presented by Dr. Charles Siburt at the ACU Fall Lectureship 2006.

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Evening Sermon, 21 January 2007

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