Shepherds Instead of Elders

I came across this explanation of Elders and Shepherds on the website for the Stones River church of Christ. This is a direct copy and paste (the web site is http://stonesriverfamily.wordpress.com/shepherds/). Take a moment and read through this. These Shepherds really seem to understand what their role in the Church is.

Why do you call yourselves shepherds rather than elders?
The group of men who provide spiritual direction for the Stones River Church are referred to as “shepherds.” This breaks with the traditional practice of Churches of Christ, and is done for a specific purpose.

We acknowledge that the term “elder,” which is more traditionally used, is certainly a biblical term. But we also realize that many words in current usage are influenced as much (in some cases more) by current practices as they are by biblical meaning. We are concerned that American business culture shapes the traditional ideas attached to the word “elders.” Too many unknowingly use the term as though it were synonymous with a corporate board of directors. Rather than being a self-perpetuating board, biblical “elders” were called to their roles of leadership by the congregation’s recognition of a lifestyle of mature godly influence. A close reading of the biblical passages using this term presents a leadership born out of respect, a respect earned through seniority, example, ability, knowledge, and service.

Because we desire to avoid the verbal confusion common usage evidences, we’ve chosen to refer to ourselves by the equally biblical term “shepherds.” Because the biblical passages influence the meaning we attach to this word more than corporate America, we think it provides some important safeguards. First, the relation of shepherd and sheep is built on trust (John 10:3). The shepherd’s role of seeking the lost is another powerful image (Matthew 18:12-14). Shepherds care for their flock, binding up wounds, protecting the weak from the over-bearing strong, and feeding the sheep. It is the job of shepherds to guard the sheep against dangers (John 10:1-12). Then there is the shepherd sacrificing himself for the sheep (John 10:11). Biblical shepherds primarily lead through their example. Their godly, mature lifestyle coupled with their verbal teaching of the word guides the church in “paths of righteousness.”

We seek to lead by example rather than edict. We have no desire to legislate what we cannot influence reasonable disciples to discover for themselves from scripture.

In the short-term it might be easier to operate as a board of directors. The organization might function as a well-oiled machine. But will the traditional model realize our goal of nurturing mature disciples? That is the question we’ve grappled with and as a result we’ve chosen an alternate course. We do not presume to judge others who choose differently. But this is why we respond as we do.

Why do you have an Administrative Committee?
This is another place where Stones River Church is different. Because we believe the “board of directors” concept is too easily attached to “elders,” we want to guard against slipping into this function. Since that is what might expect from us, it would be all too easy to morph into such a role while trying to deny it in our terminology.

Any modern group acquires legal responsibilities when it chooses to own property and to function within our current social structure. We desire to operate in ways that honor God and guard against needlessly rejecting reasonable laws. To respond in our corporate world without becoming transformed into a “board of directors”, we need people who will address these issues while not being sucked into it ourselves. We don’t in any way belittle the necessary functions of a board of directors; rather, we refuse to allow such responsibilities to override our primary accountability for spiritual oversight. We’ve chosen to designate a team of people gifted with spiritual wisdom and administrative insight to attend to these necessary responsibilities. They address our financial and legal issues so we are free to attend to the spiritual concerns of this church family.