Christian ministers are also referred to in the Bible as pastors and shepherds. In accepting these names that characterize the work of an “ambassador" for Christ (2 Cor. 5.20), the “ministers of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5.18) define their roles from the example of Jesus as the “Chief Shepherd" of the flock. Working under his direction rather than our own, the gospel worker, is also a member of the flock, a follower of Christ as well as a leader, teacher, and minister to other disciples.

We are called to be “ministers of the Word" (Luke 1.2) and of “the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3.8). Our lives are not our own, for we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 7.23), the precious blood of Christ.

The under-shepherds have been given the necessary spiritual gifts, apportioned by the Spirit of God as He chooses, that they would, “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Eph. 4.12-16)

In the following Scripture passages and follow-up quote, essential core principles of what it means to shepherd the flock of God are further unpacked. Here we see how Spirit-led disciples are to exercise their gifts and fulfill their calling.

Note the concepts of shepherds as elders, witnesses of Christ's sufferings, partakers of the glory to be revealed, over-seers, the nature of our authority, and examples of true spirituality and moral living. We are bond-servants of Christ (Rom. 1.1), living to serve rather than be served as did their Master before them. This service is characterized by self-sacrifice, by the principles revealed at Calvary as Christ bore our sins in Himself on the tree (see Gal. 6.2).

Note too that much more than public preaching is envisioned. Ministry is proclamation, but also reclamation, not only an event, but a life to be lived in the shadow of the cross and in the hope of glory. More than creating programs for others, we are compelled by love to draw near those will inevitably cause us pain and suffering as we help bear their burdens to Jesus.

“And Jesus called them [His disciples] to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10.42-45

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." 1 Peter 5.1-4

“There is need of shepherds who, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd, will seek for the lost and straying. This means the bearing of physical discomfort and the sacrifice of ease. It means a tender solicitude for the erring, a divine compassion and forbearance. It means an ear that can listen with sympathy to heart-breaking recitals of wrong, of degradation, of despair and misery.
The spirit of the true shepherd is one of self-forgetfulness. He loses sight of self in order that he may work the works of God. By the preaching of the word and by personal ministry in the homes of the people, he learns their needs, their sorrows, their trials; and, co-operating with the great Burden-bearer, he shares their afflictions, comforts their distresses, relieves their soul-hunger, and wins their hearts to God. In this work the minister is attended by heavenly angels, and he himself is instructed and enlightened in the truth that maketh wise unto salvation." ~ Ellen White, Gospel Workers, p. 184