Our Leadership

Pastors as Shepherds

God has given His church pastors and teachers “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12). The word “pastor” in the Bible comes from the Greek word for “shepherd.” Pastors are called to guide, feed, and protect God’s people in the same way a shepherd cares for his flock (1 Peter 5:2–3).

The New Testament also uses other terms for this same office: elder/presbyter (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5) and overseer/bishop (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–2; Titus 1:7). These titles highlight different aspects of one role—leading with wisdom, watching over the church, and caring for God’s people.

Jesus the True Shepherd

Every earthly pastor serves under Jesus, the church’s ultimate Shepherd and Leader—the Good Shepherd (John 10:14–16), Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20–21), and Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

Jesus said, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). In the ancient world, shepherds often lay across the entrance of the sheep pen to protect the flock. When Jesus declared, “I am the door… If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:7–9), He pointed to His sacrificial death and resurrection—laying down His life to save His people.

The Mission: Equipping All to Make Disciples

Jesus gave the Great Commission to His first disciples, and through them, to every believer. All followers of Jesus are called to make disciples by baptizing, teaching, and proclaiming the good news:

• “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
• “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15–16)

Pastors are not the only disciple-makers—they are called to equip the whole church to live on mission. Every Christian is sent to share Christ where they live, learn, work, and play.

Qualifications for Pastors

The Bible teaches that the role of pastor/elder is a noble calling (1 Timothy 3:1). Those who serve must meet the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9—being above reproach, faithful in character, and able to teach.

Paul urged the elders of Ephesus: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) Pastors are entrusted to care for God’s people and to prepare them for the work of ministry—so that the whole church might grow and multiply disciples.