Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
Having considered Paul’s exhortation to take heed to ourselves, let’s think for a moment about the fact that these words were spoken to elders about taking heed to all the flock.(1) Leadership comes with responsibilities. Single people assume new responsibilities when they marry. Husbands and wives assume new responsibilities when they have children.(2) The same is true for elders, and their assistants, deacons.
It is challenging enough to take heed to oneself, but when one is responsible to hake heed for a congregation of people, the load of responsibility increases. To those who are elders (and deacons), or who may aspire to either of these biblical offices in the church, just as a parent sacrifices some personal freedom to care for children, so must you. Praying for, following up on, counseling, and assisting in practical ways are all part of the package.
One of the marks of a leader is that they think about their charges and their needs, a lot! When Frances and I are together with no other demand on our thoughts and conversation, we talk about our children, grandchildren, and the church. Thinking this way is a mark of leadership. Leaders think this way, even if they are not aware of it. If you are a leader or aspire to be, and if thinking this way doesn’t come naturally, ask the Lord to develop it in you.
Next time, a word to the flock about your leaders.
Notes:
(1) Note that the elders are to take heed to all the flock. Obviously, some in the flock need less care than others, but giving heed to all the flock means giving thought and care to all, neglecting none, even if some need less attention.
(2) One of the best ways to grow up and learn to be responsible is to marry and have children. It is little wonder that when people marry later and do not have children, they tend to be less responsible than those who marry and have children earlier.