“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly”
(1 Peter 5:2 NKJV)

elders (plural) oversee only the one flock among them

To “shepherd” (or “tend”) is to care for the flock. Peter compares the local congregation to a flock of sheep. Their safety and livelihood depends on the work of their shepherds. (Consider Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34 as illustrations.)

The “flock” here is a local church. Note the numbers that Peter uses to describe this relationship: “flock” is singular; “overseers (elders)” is plural. This consistent New Testament pattern requires more than one elder over a local congregation. There is no authority for one man to serve as elder (usually called pastor) over a church, just as there is no authority for elders to oversee more than one church.

When Paul and Barnabas were finishing the first preaching journey, they had a role in appointing “elders” in every church (Acts 14:23). Paul instructed the “elders of the church” at Ephesus (Acts 20:17) to “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock.”

The work of elders fulfills an important spiritual need. Sheep need overseers for provision and protection from wolves; Christians need elders to feed them, to make them strong, and to oppose apostasy (Acts 20:29). Dangerous wolves are lurking (Matthew 7:15-20).

The character of elders is beyond reproach. They serve others to save their souls. They serve willingly, oftentimes without thanks. They readily spend long hours working to strengthen souls that are entrusted to their care. Their goal is to save each lamb because each soul is precious. Be grateful for godly elders!

– Rick Duggin