In John 10:11, Jesus described Himself as “the good shepherd.” That is an important distinction for church leaders to consider. The qualities that made Jesus the Good Shepherd are the same qualities that still characterize a good pastor or elder.

Simon Peter encouraged elders to “be shepherds of God’s flock” [under their care so that] “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4). The good shepherd – the crown of glory – knows his sheep because “the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3).