Shepherding God's Flock (Acts 20:17-35)

This is the only speech in acts that is addressed to Christians. It is not directed to Christians in

general, but to Christian leaders. It is a model of what it means to engage in pastoral ministry.
Notice five things about pastoral ministry:

1. Notice the office that is described (v. 28)

• Overseers/shepherds of the flock of God. Role of pastor, overseer, and elder is the same office, but they are different Greek words. Word for elder used most often.
• Elder refers to the dignity of the office, overseer and pastor describe the office's functions.
• Elders were appointed in all the churches (v. 17).
• A plurality of elders is helpful because the weakness of one elder is compensated for by the strengths of the others.
• John Piper: "This is not a make or break issue." Instating elders in a church that has none takes time and patience (don't force it as soon as you enter a church).

2. Pastors are called to live a life of consistent godliness (vv. 18, 31)

•  "If a man has not been called to disciplined holiness he has not been called to ministry." – Spurgeon
• Everything that happens in the church and ministry is meant for our sanctification.
• It is one thing to preach on Sunday. It is another to live a godly life day in and day out for years.

3. Ask God to give you godly passions and emotions (v. 19, 31)

• There are sorrows and cheers in ministry. Paul reminds them of his tears.
• There will be difficult moments: people walking away from the faith, anger, etc.

4. Ask God to give you the grace to be ready for anything (v. 19)

• You cannot do everything you will want to do, and you cannot do everything wants to do.
• You will not be able to invest is everyone in your flock equally

5. Be faithful in teaching the whole council of God (v. 20, 27)

• What saves others is not your life, but the gospel
• Paul taught Jews and Greeks, house churches and publicly...he courageously proclaimed the gospel
• "If the devil cannot make you bad, he will launch you on a program of self-improvement." – Martin Luther

6. Personal application:

• Don't view someone as an opponent (politically) but view them spiritually as a source of sanctification. It would be easy to criticize the sheep instead of caring for them.
• Do not be known for a rich or lavish lifestyle, but for your generosity (vv. 33-35).
• Do not allow your joy to come from compliments from others. Let your joy come from sacrificing yourself for others. Humility is the pathway to joy.
• You do not truly love the Lord if you do not love people.
• Remember that the church is precious, for she was purchased by the blood of Jesus (v. 28).
• Do not create a personality cult. Invite others into your pulpit to make it clear it is about the council of God, not you.