ELDERS
Part 4
“Feed the flock of God”
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Pet. 5:2). It is sad to hear of people starving in a world of plenty. To see emancipated bodies of children where skin is draped over bones is sickening and disheartening. Let’s translate this over to the spiritual realm. Members of the church are often starving spiritually because they refuse to be fed.
Elders have a responsibility to shepherd the flock which is under their oversight. They are to do this willingly, not because they are compelled to do so or in order to get paid (not for filthy lucre) but with a desire to serve God and help those of the congregation go to heaven. A part of that shepherding is feeding (teaching) the flock.
Note Paul’s words to the elders at Ephesus, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The word feed actually means “to graze”, “nourish by feeding” and “to pasture.” Elders are to make sure that there are opportunities for the flock to graze or to make a pasture available.
Of course we know that preaching is a part of worship (Acts 2:42) Every Christian must worship God on the Lord’s Day. To forsake the assembling is a sin (Heb. 10:25). However, the word “feed” goes further. Elders must make it possible for members to have an opportunity to “feed,” “to graze,” to “nourish.” This is done by several methods.
The elders feed the flock of God by providing the Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible classes. Gospel meetings, lectureships and special teaching occasions are also provided for the members. Members need to take advantage of these sessions. Many of the flock attend only Sunday morning worship. If that is all you attend you are malnourished. You will be spiritually sick because you haven’t eaten enough good spiritual food. One eldership started making appointments with members who didn’t come to any Bible class to go to their homes and teach them.
Elders are to be careful that they do not let a wolf feed the flock. Elders need to know their teachers and what those teachers believe and teach. From time to time elders need to ask teachers to complete a questionnaire or have some method to know what teachers believe. False doctrine can easily slip into the body. Paul warned the elders at Ephesus, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29).
Elders, don’t let members die of malnutrition.
Larry