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Pray for the Pastoral Body as they Shepherd the Flock

by on May 08, 2021

Key Scripture: Acts 20:28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for 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.”

In Acts 20, Paul urges the overseers (elders or pastors) of the Ephesian church to be on guard. False teaching, false doctrines, “fierce wolves'' as Jesus put it, all seek to destroy sound biblical truth. The pastors must guard against this. They must first be willing to self-examine their own walk. How does their own life compare to the truth of Scripture? Effective ministry is not a mere outward activity; it is the overflow of a deep, personal relationship with God and a passion for the truth of His Word.

The pastors are then called to guard the flock—the people placed under their authority and direction. Flock, shepherd, and wolves are all terms that bring the idea of hard work, sweat, and vigilance. As shepherds, Pastor Mike and our pastoral body will feed, care for, and guard the flock—a flock that holds great value, purchased by the blood of Jesus. As shepherds, they do not stand on the outside looking in, but are in the midst, proactively working with and guarding the believers in their care.

A minister may fill pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more.” - John Owen

Questions to Consider: Am I guarding myself? Am I consistently examining my walk with Christ and pressing it up against Scripture? Am I submissive to the authority and protection of our pastoral body?

Prayer Prompts:

  • Pray that Pastor Mike will have a love and desire to protect the congregation.
  • Pray we would come alongside him and his family – praying for their needs of friendship, housing, schooling, etc. as they settle in.
  • Pray for the stresses of their transition.
  • Pray that Pastor Mike and his family would feel at home at Richland Creek.

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