The Role of a Shepherd

By Rik Danielsen, D. Min.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:31–37

There was a day when pastors were told they were supposed to be the CEO of the church. Many bought into that model, believing it would work, only to realize later that it is not the biblical model for the local church pastor.

While it is not the only approach, three common models have been adopted by many in the church today:

• CEO: The pastor runs the church like a corporation. He answers to a board, but if he chooses the board, they often rubber-stamp his proposals.

• Chaplain: The pastor focuses primarily on comforting widows, visiting the sick and elderly, and delivering a comforting message on Sunday. Though rarely voiced, this is precisely what many congregations look for.

• Shepherd: Derived from Latin, Old French, and Middle English, the word pastor literally means shepherd. This is how churches have viewed their pastors for centuries.

The Davidic Example

To understand this role, look at the background of 1 Samuel 17. The Hebrews were at war with the Philistines. Goliath, a giant and the Philistine champion, stepped out daily to challenge the Israelites to single combat to decide the outcome of the war. None of the Hebrew soldiers dared to face him.

Then David arrived—sent by his father to bring provisions to his brothers and check on their welfare. Hearing Goliath's challenge, David volunteered to fight.

"When they heard David's words, they repeated them to Saul, and he sent for him. And David said to Saul, 'Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.'

But David said to Saul, 'Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.'

And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the LORD be with you!'"

— 1 Samuel 17:31–37 (ESV)

David’s background as a shepherd prepared him to protect his flock. When evaluating the proper biblical model for a pastor, neither CEO nor Chaplain fits. God has provided the Shepherd model. Jesus—our ultimate role model—is called "The Good Shepherd," and when He restored Peter, He instructed him to feed His sheep (John 21:17).

The 4 Core Tasks of a Shepherd

1. The Pastor Protects the Flock David fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep. Today, false teachers seek to devour the flock, motivated by money or power. Pastors protect the flock by delivering sound, biblical teaching. Much like bank tellers learn to spot counterfeit money by becoming thoroughly familiar with the real thing, a pastor teaches biblical truth so congregation members immediately recognize falsehood.

2. The Pastor Cares for the Sheep In John 21:16, Jesus instructed Peter to "tend" His sheep. Livestock requires care, medicine, and the binding of wounds. While secular herders care for livestock out of financial interest, a pastor's motivation must stem from genuine care. As the congregation grows, the lead shepherd may need to build a team approach to care, but the responsibility to ensure the sheep are tended remains.

3. The Pastor Feeds the Flock Water and food are fundamental needs. Pastors feed the flock through faithful teaching and preaching of God's Word. Throughout Scripture, the Bible is described as spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2), bread (Matthew 4:4), honey (Psalm 119:103), and solid food (Hebrews 5:14). Congregations require a well-balanced diet from the whole counsel of God.

4. The Pastor Leads the Flock Left to themselves, sheep wander off and get lost. They require a shepherd to guide them. As Dr. Jim Henry noted, deacons are God-called servants of the church, while pastors are God-called leaders. A pastor must walk with God, pray, study the Word, understand the community, and lead the congregation in meaningful ministry.

Preaching is only a fraction of a pastor's total duties. A balanced view of pastoral ministry comes from studying the Good Shepherd, Jesus—who led His sheep, knew them by name, cared for them, fed them, and protected them from enemy attacks. Those serving as under-shepherds are called to do the same.

© 2026 Rik Danielsen