Shepherds or Sovereigns? Rediscovering the Biblical Role of Pastors in the Church

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God's heritage,
but being ensamples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3, KJV

In an age where pastoral authority is often confused with spiritual supremacy, it is crucial for the Church to return to a biblical understanding of pastoral leadership. Many believers today wrestle with the overreach of church leaders who act less like shepherds and more like monarchs—issuing commands, pronouncing judgments, and governing lives rather than serving the body in humility and truth.

The Role of the Pastor: Gifted, Not Elevated

The office of a pastor is not a political throne or a platform of superiority. According to Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV):

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

Pastors are a gift from Christ to His Church, not rulers over it. Their purpose is edification, protection, and spiritual nourishment—not domination. The Greek word for “pastor” is poimēn, meaning “shepherd.” And what does a shepherd do? He tends, leads, and watches—but never oppresses the sheep.

Authority Abused: When Shepherds Mimic Kings

Sadly, many pastors today misuse their position to enforce their opinions, control behavior, or demand allegiance, as if spiritual authority equates to personal infallibility. Yet Jesus warned of this very danger:

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ;
and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth:
for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 23:8–9, KJV

When pastors usurp the Holy Spirit's role in conviction, transformation, and spiritual growth, they move from servanthood to spiritual tyranny.

Feeding, Not Forcing: The Pastor's True Assignment

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
— John 10:11, KJV

A godly pastor lays down his life, not his law. He feeds, not forces. He equips believers with the Word of God and trusts the Holy Spirit to apply that Word deeply into each heart.

The job of a pastor is to:

  • Teach Scripture with soundness and clarity (2 Timothy 4:2)

  • Guide, not guilt

  • Watch over the flock with humility (Hebrews 13:17)

  • Encourage maturity, not dependency

To "teach the truth" is not to control a believer’s conscience. It is to present the truth faithfully and step back, letting the Spirit do the work:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
— John 17:17, KJV

A Modern Crisis: Pastoral Idolatry

The rise of celebrity pastors and spiritually abusive leadership has led to a distorted view of pastoral authority. Congregants begin to elevate human opinion over divine command, and pastors become mini-kings instead of Christlike servants. This is a dangerous departure from God’s design.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5, KJV

A Call to Repentance and Reformation

If you are a pastor, ask: Am I feeding the sheep or lording over them?
If you are a congregant, ask: Am I following Christ, or blindly following a man?

The Church needs a revival of biblical pastoral ministry, grounded in humility, service, and truth. And for those who have been hurt by false authority or spiritual abuse, know this:

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm,
and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
— Isaiah 40:11, KJV

Christ is the Chief Shepherd. Every true under-shepherd must look like Him.

The Gospel: The Shepherd Who Died for the Sheep

Christ, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us—not to control us, but to save us.

  1. Acknowledge that sin has separated you from God (Romans 3:23)

  2. Believe in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice and resurrection (Romans 10:9)

  3. Confess Him as Lord, and follow Him as Shepherd (John 10:27–28)

“For ye were as sheep going astray;
but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
— 1 Peter 2:25, KJV

Has your view of leadership been shaped by Scripture or by culture?

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