Pastors Are To Be Shepherds, Not Lords

In Scripture, pastors are likened to shepherds who nurture, care, and protect their sheep. A true pastor is a willing and eager servant called by God, not a self-seeking lord called by a board of elders chosen for his carisma, physical attractiveness, and talent. A true pastor is an example to his flock in the way he treats others and in how he lives.

What is in a pastor's heart is much more important than what he reveals outwardly: the impressiveness of his appearance and the showiness of his pulpit speeches. A pastor should never have a desire for personal power or control over people. He should have only the desire for God and His Word to control his life and the lives of God's people.

"Be shepherds of God's flock

 that is under your care,

watching over them —

not because you must,

but because you are willing,

as God wants you to be;

not pursuing dishonest gain,

but eager to serve;

not lording it over those entrusted to you,

but being examples to the flock."

1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)