The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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2. To Feed—A shepherd’s main duty was to lead the sheep into fields for grazing. Shepherds
are to feed with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15). The verb form of pastor used in the
New Testament has to do with providing food (Jn. 21:16; Acts. 20:28; I Pet. 5:2). The word
“pastor” comes from the verb which means “to feed.” Literally, the pastor is one who “feeds the
sheep.”
Just as a shepherd would direct his sheep to the best possible pastures, the pastor of a spiritual
flock must feed his followers with the best food—the Word of God. Teaching is closely
associated with shepherding. As pointed out earlier in our study of the teacher, some scholars link
the teacher and pastor into one office, that of “pastor-teacher.”
The pastor must teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). There must be correction,
rebuke and training in righteousness (II Tim. 3:16). He is to feed them what they need, not
necessarily what they want (I Tim. 4:2-4).
3. To Protect—The shepherd’s rod was often used on the enemy for the protection of the
sheep. It was also used by the shepherd to clear the way where there were overgrown briars,
thistles and weed. The staff was used to disentangle a lamb whose foot often would get caught in
the underbrush by hooking the staff around the lamb’s leg and gently lifting it out of the thorns
surrounding it. The pastor has the responsibility to gently but firmly lead his people away from
error and into the truth. He must provide protection from division and false teachers (Acts 20:28-
32). Just as a good shepherd would protect his sheep to the point of laying down his life for it, so
a pastor is to protect his people even if it means the sacrifice of his own life (Jn. 10:1-18).
4. To Discipline—The shepherd would actually break the leg of an obstinate sheep. After he
did this, he would personally care for it until it was fully nurtured to health again. Admonition
(I Thess. 5:12) and even excommunication is sometimes necessary to teach and train a person to
be a genuine follower of Jesus (I Cor. 5:1-13; see also II Thess. 3:6-15 and Tit. 3:10-11). The
purpose of all this is that God’s people would be equipped so they can do the work of ministry.
The pastor is the player-coach who trains his recruits for the upbuilding of the body for the action
of ministry in the world.
Warning: The pastor must shepherd his flock by example (Heb. 13:7; I Pet. 5:3). He is to
serve not because he must, but because he is willing, as God wants him to be; not greedy for
money, but eager to serve; not bossing those entrusted to him, but being an example to them
(I Pet. 5:2-3).
Because of his position of leadership, the pastor is prone to pride. This is why a fairly new
Christian must not be put in a leadership position (I Tim. 3:6). As a leader he is also a constant
target for slander by outsiders and must therefore have a reputation above reproach (I Tim 3:1,7).