Be shepherds. In Palestine, the shepherd led the sheep out into the fields where they could find plenty to eat. The shepherd did not drive the sheep, but he led and they followed. Shepherds watched out for dangers, and if a sheep wandered away from the flock, he went after it and brought it back. This is a beautiful example of the work of the church elder. [Pastor is another word for shepherd. Preacher = evangelist. See note one Ephesians 4:11.] Willingly. "God wants you to fill this job because you have a sense of the honor and mission of such work." Not for mere pay. Some church elders were paid a salary (1 Timothy 5:17-18). This is one of the efficiencies of a larger congregation. But the elder who is paid, must do it because he has a real desire to serve, and not with a "hired hand" attitude.

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Old Testament