The roaring lion stalks the flock. They need to be defended!
What are the duties and role of the elders in a local church? W.E. Vine defines an elder in this way: “those who being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over the churches.” As a part of this oversight and care, elders are to serve as protectors of the flock.”
In the business world, human resources departments have helped most companies do a better job of laying out their policies, procedures, and practices. They have created manuals that attempt to define everything, particularly job descriptions. It is most likely that in an interview process today, you will receive a detailed job description. This is to ensure that everyone—the employee, employer, and others working alongside—understands what is expected in the organization.
We need not create a manual for the local church—the Spirit of God has already done that. But we do need to know what our manual says about local church government. Let’s look at the elder’s role as protector in three aspects: the Scriptures, the sheep, and the shepherds.”
The Scriptures?This talk of job descriptions leads us to our first consideration: What saith the Scriptures? I once did a study with the express purpose of researching the duties of an elder. In relation to our topic of the under-shepherd as a protector, notice the following references:
Acts 15:1-6,?22,?23 – The apostles and the elders were called together to settle the matter of false doctrine. It is their duty to guard against such.
Acts 20:28-31 – Notice the instruction the Word gives. There is a real danger: grievous wolves will enter in among the flock. It will happen! The elders are to watch out for such. Paul warned the flock. The elders should do the same.
Titus 1:7-11 – Elders protect by holding fast the faithful Word. In this manner they can be sensitive to error. They should then use the Bible to exhort and convince the flock of the truth that refutes those who are in error. The sword of the Spirit is a weapon of protection here.
1 Peter 5:1-9 – The passage begins with an address to the overseers, “Elders, I exhort you.” In focusing on our topic, remember that Peter is addressing the elders among the flock when he say, “be sober, be vigilant.” The word “sober” means to be alert, to watch. Elders are to protect by watching. The word “vigilant” means to keep awake and to keep watching. That’s double watching. Peter tells us why: “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” There is impending danger from Satan himself. Not just to stumble you or to trip you up, but to devour you!
2 & 3 John – In these epistles, the elder provides a good example as he warns of false teachers (2 John) and of problem areas that are negatively affecting Christ’s church (3 John).
The word “elder” is not used in Hebrews 13:17, but here we read of the ones “that have the rule over you…for they [elders] watch for your souls,” which once again speaks to us of protection.
Scripture, then, is clear that a major duty of the elder, as under-shepherd, is to be a protector of the flock. He accomplishes this by carefully watching for danger and warning the flock of potential or immediate attacks by our adversary.
The Sheep?What defense mechanism did our Creator give to sheep? Speed? A shell? Strength? Fangs? A roar? Camouflage? In a sheep, we see a small animal which has virtually no way to defend itself. We need protection! The Scriptures tell us that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Great and Good Shepherd. However, He has placed among us those who are His under-shepherds.
Darby translates Acts 20:28 as follows, “Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, wherein the Holy Spirit has set you as overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He has purchased with the blood of His Own.” The Lord has placed the elders in the front line of the flock’s defense. In this verse, the King James Version says, “the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” Why? The sheep need shepherds because the sheep need protection!
Sometimes we hear people criticizing their elders for being “closed-minded.” They say, “My elders want to approve what we are going to do before we do it.” Or “When we present an idea they always point out the problems.” Another common complaint is, “My elders are suspicious of anything new!” Often these comments are spoken with indignation toward the elders. But isn’t that part of their “job description”? It is their God-given responsibility to watch and warn, to protect the flock. Do you suppose the sheep criticized the shepherd boy David as he killed the lion? When the shepherd sees danger, he takes action. If the flock understands this aspect of the elders’ role and supports them in it, then all is well and the shepherds can do their job.
There are grievous wolves that will come in among God’s sheep. There is a devil who walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. We need to be defended! In God’s design for the church, He gave us elders as protectors. I’ll take all the help against danger I can get!
The Shepherd?Our friends in Human Resources tell us it is just as important for the one doing the job to understand their duties as it is for the others in the organization to understand their duties. The elders must understand and execute their role as protectors.
Our children were recently given a Zip Line. This is a cable that you run between two trees and then slide down using a pulley. Even though this product came complete with instructions, there were many variables which required trial and error during the set-up process. We experimented with a few different locations for the new Zip Line. We found that an arrangement that was more dangerous with greater potential for accidents yielded a more exciting ride than the location that provided a safe ride. But I left the Zip Line set up in a location that I knew would be safe for all my children.
However, later, my older two boys (ages 11 and 8), who are quite industrious, decided to find a better location and moved the Zip Line. They wanted a location in between the safe, boring ride and the thrilling ride of danger. My wife, upon hearing what they had done, asked me this question, “Is it safe?” I didn’t know the answer. From a distance and with a quick look it appeared to be safe. But I had not helped them set it up this time as I had done originally. I had not closely inspected the route. I was unaware of what testing they had done to determine its safety for all my children, from the youngest to the oldest. My wife stated, lovingly of course, “Honey, you are their protector”. Message received. I went to investigate it immediately.
It is worthwhile to examine the passages referenced above and then ask ourselves: elders, are we protecting the flock? Are we watching? Are we warning? Would we recognize false doctrine if it were taught in the next meeting (Acts 15)? Would we see a wolf in the distance (Acts 20)? Would we be able to both exhort and to convince the gainsayers (Titus 1)? Where is the lion (1 Peter 5)? Are any being deceived (2 John)? Is there a Diotrephes among us (3 John)? Is it safe?
Dear under-shepherd, don’t lose heart. The Spirit has equipped you and your brothers for the task you have been given. Hold fast the faithful Word!
Let us all take heed to Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” These words contain direction for every believer. Shepherds must protect the sheep; and a wise sheep will submit to that protection.