Shepherds Of God

Ephesians 4:11–13

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (NKJV)

About Ephesians. Ephesians is a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus while he was in prison. Chapters 1–3 tell believers who they are in Christ. Chapters 4–6 show them how to walk it out. In chapter 4, Paul explains that Jesus Himself gave gifts to His Church so it would grow up, stand together, and become like Him.

What is the Fivefold Ministry?

The fivefold ministry is the five offices Christ gave to lead and equip His Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their purpose is not position or title. Their purpose is to equip believers for ministry and build up the body of Christ until it reflects Jesus fully.

Each office is connected to the others. One assignment leads into the next:

• The evangelist goes out and brings souls in.
• The teacher grounds them in the Word so they stay.
• The pastor cares for them, makes sure the Word takes root, and prepares them for the call of God.
• The prophet confronts sin and calls out what is blocking the church.
• The apostle builds, lays foundations, and establishes the work.

When all five work together, the Church is healthy, growing, and ready.

The Role of The Pastor

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:2)

The word pastor means shepherd. A pastor lives among the sheep, knows them by name, and gives their life for them.

• Feed the flock. Jesus told Peter three times, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15–17). The pastor makes sure the Word finds a place in the people.
• Protect the flock. Paul warned the elders that wolves would come, so they must keep watch (Acts 20:28–29).
• Care for the hurting. Strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, and bring back those who wandered (Ezekiel 34:4).
• Lead by example. Not as a lord over the people, but as an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
• Prepare people for their call. The pastor helps each believer grow until they are ready to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).

Why God called you

God called you because He loves His sheep and will not leave them scattered. When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion, because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). God promised, “I will give you shepherds according to My heart” (Jeremiah 3:15).

As a pastor, you carry the heart of the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Your calling is a reflection of His care.

Pitfalls and Solutions

Every calling has areas where the enemy attacks. These are areas of opportunity, places to grow stronger.

1. Getting dragged into the dirt. Shepherds live among the sheep, and sheep wander into dirty places. Church conflict, gossip, and sin can pull a pastor down.
   • Solution: Stay close to the people, but stay clean. Restore others gently, “considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
2. Fighting every battle alone. David fought the lion and the bear to protect his father’s sheep. Then he was called to fight Goliath for someone else (1 Samuel 17:34–37). Pastors face battles for the flock and battles they never expected.
   • Solution: Build a daily prayer life and a team of intercessors. Moses won the battle while Aaron and Hur held up his hands (Exodus 17:12).
3. Burnout from carrying everything. Jethro told Moses, “The thing that you do is not good… you are not able to perform it by yourself” (Exodus 18:17–18).
   • Solution: Raise leaders and delegate. Share the load so you can keep going.
4. Neglecting your own home and soul. “They made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept” (Song of Solomon 1:6).
   • Solution: Guard time with God and family. A pastor must first manage their own house well (1 Timothy 3:4–5).
5. Pleasing people instead of God. “If I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
   • Solution: Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), even when it is not popular.

In My Experience

From Prophet Jen Ford

• Shepherds get dirty. Pastors are always with the sheep, and the sheep go out into a world full of dirt. Pastors are easily dragged into the matters of the church.
• The sheep can pull you into sin. It is easier than many think for a pastor to be drawn into the very things they are called to protect people from. Guard your heart.
• You will fight more than one battle. Like David, you will fight the lion to protect your own sheep, and then be called to fight a Goliath for someone else.
• The stronger the pastor, the stronger the church. When the pastor is strong, the church usually does not have many issues.
• Prayer is your protection. A pastor will have issues without a daily prayer life and a team of intercessors covering them.

Lessons

Reflect

1. Where am I being pulled into things I am called to protect people from?
2. Who are the intercessors covering me in prayer right now?
3. What load am I carrying that I should share with others?

Prayer

Lord, make me a shepherd after Your own heart. Keep my hands clean and my heart pure among Your people. Give me strength for every lion and every Goliath, and surround me with intercessors who will hold up my arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go Deeper

Ready for personal guidance in your calling as a pastor? Book one-on-one coaching with Coach Jen Ford.