Shared Leadership: A Biblical Approach to Pastoral Care

When you think about pastoral care, what comes to mind? Many imagine a single pastor tirelessly visiting homes, calling members, and preparing sermons each week. While this picture of a dedicated shepherd is admirable, it’s not the model of leadership the Bible sets forth for the local church. In fact, the New Testament presents a better, more sustainable approach: a plurality of elders (think pastors).

Unfortunately, many churches today rely on a single elder (pastor) to shepherd their congregation. This can lead to unmet expectations and feelings of neglect—not because the pastor is uncaring, but because no one man can effectively shepherd an entire church alone. Let’s explore why the biblical model of a plurality of elders is so essential for the health of the church and the care of its members.

1. The Biblical Model of Eldership

From the early days of the church, we see a clear pattern: leadership was shared among a group of elders. Consider these examples:

Acts 14:23: Paul and Barnabas appointed elders (plural) in every church.
Titus 1:5: Titus was instructed to appoint elders in every town.
1 Peter 5:1-2: Peter exhorts elders to shepherd the flock under their care.

A plurality of elders wasn’t an optional feature of church leadership; it was the norm. This shared leadership reflects the wisdom of God in designing the church to be led by a team, not just a single individual.

2. The Practical Benefits of a Plurality of Elders

Shepherding a church is a monumental task. It includes preaching, teaching, counseling, visiting the sick, discipling new believers, managing church administration, and more. When one pastor is responsible for all of this, the inevitable result is burnout—for the pastor—and unmet needs—for the congregation.

A plurality of elders offers practical solutions:

Shared Workload: Different elders can focus on different areas of ministry, ensuring more people are cared for without overwhelming one person.
Personalized Shepherding: With multiple elders, members are more likely to receive the personal attention they need.
Accountability: Elders hold one another accountable in doctrine, character, and leadership, protecting the church from poor decision-making or moral failure.

Simply put, a plurality of elders ensures the congregation is better served while also safeguarding the health of its leaders.

3. Shifting from Individualism to Community

Many frustrations with pastoral care stem from an individualistic mindset. Phrases like, “The pastor didn’t visit me,” or, “He never calls me,” reflect an expectation that one man must meet the personal needs of every member. This thinking not only places an impossible burden on the pastor but also misses the beauty of shared leadership.

When a church has a plurality of elders, members can shift their focus from the absence of one man to the presence of faithful, collective shepherding. Instead of thinking, “The pastor didn’t call me,” members can rejoice that the church is being shepherded by a team of godly leaders who care for the flock together.

This shift also fosters gratitude for the church’s broader mission. The goal of church leadership isn’t simply to meet every individual’s expectations but to faithfully shepherd the entire body of Christ for the glory of God.

4. Moving Toward a Plurality of Elders

If your church doesn’t yet have a plurality of elders, it’s worth asking, “How can we move in this direction?” Here are a few steps:

Teach the Biblical Model: Begin by helping your congregation understand what the Bible says about church leadership. Passages like Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 are great places to start.
Identify Potential Leaders: Look for godly men in your church who meet the qualifications of an elder. Invest in their growth through mentorship and training.
Pray for God’s Provision: The appointment of elders is a spiritual task. Pray that God would raise up qualified men to shepherd your church.

Conclusion: A Better Way to Shepherd the Flock

God, in His wisdom, designed the church to be led by a plurality of elders. This model not only ensures more effective shepherding but also reflects the shared nature of the gospel mission. Christ Himself is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), and elders serve together under His authority to care for His people.

Instead of expecting one man to meet every need, we can celebrate the gift of faithful elders who labor together for the good of the church. Let’s embrace the biblical model of a plurality of elders—for the glory of God and the flourishing of His church.

What about your church? Does it have a plurality of elders, or is this something you’re considering? How might your perspective on pastoral care shift if you saw leadership as a team effort? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!