Elders knowing the sheep
Prof. Brian Huizinga explores the biblical basis for understanding elders as shepherds in the church, drawing on Christological foundations and New Testament texts to establish that elders, like pastors, must know and care for the flock entrusted to them. The article emphasizes that knowing the sheep is foundational to the elder's calling to feed, guide, protect, and rule the congregation, reflecting Jesus Christ's example as the Good Shepherd.
Elders as shepherds Jesus Christ is the "chief Shepherd" (I Pet. 5:4), "that great shepherd of the sheep" (Heb. 13:20), "the good shepherd" who "giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). In His church He has appointed pastors as "spiritual shepherds who are set over the church, which God called unto salvation, and counts as sheep of His pasture" (Form of Installation of Ministers). We are familiar with this identification and count our pastors as "under-shepherds" of Christ. Elders are...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org