Shepherding the Flock: What is the core work of small church leadership?

Small church leadership has so many responsibilities and obligations vying for their attention. From Bible studies to church potlucks to events to mulching the playground, our days are full. Every church has many important responsibilities, but not every responsibility is equally central. 

When we think about the core work of small church leadership, really we are asking: “What is the central role of the leadership of a small church?” We need clarity about our core responsibilities so we can prioritize what matters most while still giving attention to the many other tasks of ministry.

Like the core of an apple, the central work of church leadership is meant to produce growth. Faithful shepherds equip believers who then go and make disciples themselves.

I’ve pastored small churches since 1986, and in those 40 years, I’ve come to believe that the core work of small church leadership is as follows:

1. Know and teach the truth of God’s Word
2. Shepherd and tend the flock of God
3. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty

Know and Teach the Truth of God’s Word

We have a tremendous message to share with the world. We are commissioned to spread the message concerning the Kingdom of God—the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom message is a life-changing message that leads people to Christ, to the hope of salvation, and to holy living (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 3:2–3).

To know the truth of the Kingdom message, leaders must read and study the Word of God.  We cannot rely upon the thoughts and opinions of others. Yes, it is good to hear those thoughts and opinions because they may stretch our thinking, but ultimately, we must read, study, and come to our own conclusions. 

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (NASB1995). Pastors must know the truth of God’s Word by reading it and studying it.

Not only should shepherds know the truth of God’s Word, but they should also teach it. To propagate the Kingdom message, we should do as the Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:2, “The things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (NASB1995).

Pastors, elders, and lay leaders must know the Kingdom message in their heads and in their hearts. They teach not only with their words but also with their lives. By allowing the message of the Kingdom to guide how they live and how they respond to life’s situations, they model what it looks like to have Christ living in them (Galatians 2:20).

Small church leadership must know and teach the truth of God’s Word.

Shepherd and Tend the Flock of God

Knowing God’s Word is essential, but biblical leadership involves more than teaching. Leaders are also called to care for God’s people.

After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three different times in John 21:15–17 (NASB1995), “Do you love me?” Peter answered yes, all three times. In response to Peter’s answers, Jesus told him to “tend my lambs” (v. 15), “shepherd my sheep” (v. 16), and “tend my sheep” (v. 17).

As shepherds of the flock of God, small church leadership must be on guard to protect the flock from spiritual and—sometimes—physical danger. The Apostle Paul put it this way when he said, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NASB1995).

Practically speaking, this means protecting the people from others who sow discord in the church. Biblical church discipline is crucial for fostering a healthy church. Leadership must be willing to take a stand and biblically confront people who are causing spiritual harm to the body of Christ.

This doesn’t just stop at spiritual and emotional harm. Leadership also may have to protect the flock physically. 

With the violence that has been directed toward churches in recent years, our local church has adopted certain safety protocols. Certain entrances are locked during worship to deter possible threats. Security cameras are located throughout the property to not only protect the facility but, more importantly, to protect our people. Our safety team is always alert in the event that issues may arise. 

Caring for our members’ physical needs is also shepherding and tending to them. This is a vital part of the work of small church leadership.

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty

Faithful shepherding isn’t limited to preaching or protecting. It also requires a willingness to enter into the messy realities of people’s lives. Ministry is rarely neat or convenient. Shepherds often serve in difficult, uncomfortable, and emotionally exhausting situations.

Jesus said in Luke 17:10, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (NASB1995).  

Ministry is about connecting people to the message of hope spiritually and tangibly.  Sometimes, in doing so, it means getting your hands dirty… especially in a small church.

Jesus wasn’t afraid to get His hands dirty. He fed people, healed lepers, cast out demons, confronted pious religious leaders, turned over the tables of those abusing His Father’s house, washed feet, etc.

Getting your hands dirty means helping people through difficult situations. Taking someone to their chemotherapy treatment. Comforting parents as they come to terms with their child’s suicide. Praying with a family in the hospital while their loved one takes their last breath. Cleaning up after a devastating home fire. Taking provisions to someone in need. 

These moments are hard. They are weighty. These intimate and practical moments of ministry matter because they show people you love them and care for them. As a shepherd, you have to walk with your people hand-in-hand through tough situations, seeing them through. We can’t just stay in the comfort of our lofty ideals. We have to follow Jesus’ example and meet people in the hard situations.

Conclusion

What are the most important duties of a small church’s leaders?

We must: 

1. Know and teach the truth of God’s Word 
2. Shepherd and tend to the flock of God 
3. Be willing to walk through hard situations with our flock

These three responsibilities are central to faithful small church leadership. Programs, strategies, and facilities all have their place, but they are not the heart of pastoral ministry.

Faithful leaders know God’s Word, shepherd God’s people, and willingly enter the difficult moments of life alongside their flock. They help feed the life of the church for it to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, NASB1995).