Searching for Shepherds Lesson 1: "Three Names... One Man" Michael Lewis September 17, 2006
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Searching for Shepherds
Part One: “Three Names – One Man”
Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
Michael L. Lewis
September 17, 2006
1 Peter 5:1-4

¹ To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Presbuteros = presbyter or E L D E R. A spiritually mature man of proven experience that his fellow Christians look up to as an example for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Episcopos = bishop or O V E R S E E R. A man who serves with his fellow overseers to set the boundaries for how a congregation functions; and, mentors and equips those they empowered to carry out the day-to-day operations of the congregation.

Poimen = pastor or S H E P H E R D. A man, who protects, nourishes and cares for the spiritual well-being of God’s people (or the flock under their care). He is charged by God to be responsible before God for the souls of the congregation.

1. The most powerful attribute of our congregational spiritual leaders is that we are moved by their E X A M P L E.

2. Our congregational spiritual leaders do not serve as a “board of directors,” but know how to empower and U N L E A S H the church for ministry.

3. Long before men are selected to formally shepherd others, they D E M O N S T R A T E a heart and a life of caring for the spiritual well-being for others.