Is it really possible to know the state of the flocks by an occasional five-minute conversation at the end of the regular scheduled meetings?
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” (Prov. 27:23)
[dropcap] T [/dropcap]he Old Testament Scriptures were written to a people who were primarily agricultural in their orientation. Keeping and caring for sheep was a way of life for many an Israelite. So the Lord’s people are frequently referred to in terms that would have been quite familiar to the hearers: His sheep and His flock. Of course, the Lord Himself is referred to in the Bible as the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd.
In the New Testament, we are instructed that local assemblies are to have a plurality of shepherds to care for the Lord’s people under the direction of the Chief Shepherd. Although we do not believe in the office of “Pastor,” we had better believe in pastoral work! Caring for the Lord’s people must be taken seriously, and we are to be diligent to know the state of our flocks. (Actually, they are the Lord’s flock and we are stewards (Titus 1:7) acting on His behalf.) Is it really possible to know the state of the flocks by an occasional five-minute conversation at the end of the regular scheduled meetings? I think not!
The Bible encourages us to take a more diligent approach to these matters. “Take heed…to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers” (Acts 20:28). Surely the term “take heed” means to pay careful attention to this matter. When and how are we to do this? Is there not a place for regular visitation of the saints under our watch and care? Is it not true that when we see them at the regular meetings, they are putting their best front on? In their homes, in a more relaxed setting, we might possibly see the real situation more clearly.
Is their any scriptural basis for elders visiting in the homes of the saints, or, conversely, having the saints into their homes? Certainly visiting the poor and widows is clearly taught in James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Moreover, one of the mandatory qualifications for an elder is that he must be hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8). The saints must have access to his home, especially since he is to be an example [pattern] to the flock. His home life should be observed! Finally, the apostle Paul, in his farewell address to the elders at the church at Ephesus, uses two sources to teach them of their shepherding responsibilities. He taught by precept and his own personal example when he was among them. Concerning his example, he reminds them that he taught them both publicly and “from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
William Rogers, in his notes on the pastoral epistles, comments that two verb forms of the Greek word episkopos (which our English Bibles translate as “overseers” or “bishops”) are translated as “visit” in Matthew 25:36, Acts 15:36, and James 1:27, all strengthening the case for regular pastoral visitation.
What then should these home visits look like? Several years ago I read an article that contained some suggested questions for visitation. I have put them to good use since then and found them to be both practical and beneficial to the saints.
1. Are you having a regular quiet time? This question is asked not to chastise but to encourage. If they need help in this area, make practical suggestions. For instance, they may benefit from a reading scheme. It can also be helpful to provide accountability with follow-up visits.
2. If married, are you praying together daily? This ought to be the practice in every Christian home. It is good to at least do this before going to bed at night, as we are told not to let the sun go down upon our wrath (Eph. 4:26), and you can’t truly pray if you are angry with one another. Therefore it encourages reconciliation before the sun sets!
3. If you have children, are you teaching the Scriptures to them? Do they have a family altar? Again, this is not raised in order to criticize, but with a view to encouragement. Sunday School was designed to reach kids outside the church, not as a means of teaching the children of the saints—that is the job that we, as parents, are supposed to do. Share with them what has worked for you. Use examples of how you have done it and what has helped you personally to be faithful in this task. We read Scripture after meals, since that is when we are all together. And when our children were younger, we read from Egermeier’s Bible Story Book.
4. Do you understand what we are doing as a local assembly? Do they have any questions about why we meet the way we do? How can they serve? You might be surprised to discover that there needs to be a refresher course about things you thought had been adequately taught.
5. Are there any issues you would like to talk with us about? Major crises can often be headed off by such a question. And with consistent shepherding, elders look less like a crisis management team. They become proactive rather than reactive!
Finally, it is always good to praise the saints for anything they have done for the Lord and His people. We all need encouragement. Read Scripture with them, pray with them, and leave—be sure not to overstay your welcome.
Elders are stewards of God. We will give an account to the Lord for them one day (Heb. 13:17), so we are to watch for their souls. How are we doing with our stewardship of His blood-bought people? Will the Lord entrust more lambs to our care if we are not caring for the sheep He has already given to us?
A motto in our local elders’ meeting is, “Do the work of an elder instead of just talking about doing the work of an elder.” Surely, brethren, this is one of the greatest needs in our assemblies today!
Will the Lord entrust more lambs to our care if we are not caring for the sheep He has already given us?