In the New Testament, the terms used for local church leadership (overseer, elder, leader, shepherd, pastor-teacher) are used interchangeably, although each emphasises a different aspect of the role. A ‘pastor’ is a shepherd (Ephesians 4:11), and shepherding is the most common analogy for a leader in the Scriptures. Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18, 1 Peter 5:4), but kings, prophets, and church leaders are all called shepherds at various times (e.g. Ezekiel 34). Likewise, the people of God are often referred to as a ‘flock’ (2 Samuel 7:8, Psalm 80:1). Pastors, like shepherds, are responsible for guiding the flock, disciplining it, feeding it, caring for it and protecting it (1 Peter 5:2-5, Acts 20:28-31).
