Journal: Eikon
Volume: EIKON 06:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: Pastor/Elder/ Overseer: An Office Fitted For Men
Author: Alexander Strauch

Eikon 6.2 (Fall 2024) p. 103

Pastor/Elder/ Overseer: An Office Fitted For Men

Alexander Strauch

Alexander Strauch has served in the leadership and teaching ministry of Littleton Bible Chapel (near Denver, Colorado) for over 50 years. He is the author of Biblical Eldership, Paul’s Vision for the Deacons, Men and Women: Equal Yet Different, as well as other books that have been translated into over forty languages.

The purpose of this brief essay is to identify some of the masculine qualities designed by God that fit a man for the arduous task of shepherding his flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1–2). This paper assumes that readers are biblical complementarians, and therefore does not seek to directly address egalitarian objections.

Strength And Courage

From the beginning, God designed men physically, mentally, and emotionally to be leaders, warriors, disciplinarians, builders, defenders of the faith, and protectors of the weak. For such crucial roles men were endowed by the Creator with physical bodily strength and inner courage.

For example, as a teenage boy, David knew that he must protect his father’s sheep from wild beasts. In his own words spoken to King Saul, he states that “when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him” (1 Sam 17:34–35). By killing the lion and bear, David demonstrated masculine, daring courage and physical strength. At risk to his life, he protected his father’s helpless sheep from savage predators.

Our Lord Jesus Christ fearlessly entered the Temple court and with a whip of cords, single-handedly drove out the money-changers, and restored the temple to its original purpose — that it be a house of prayer, worship, and teaching (John 2:13–17;

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Mark 11:17). Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated masculine strength and bold courage in the face of grave danger.

Guard God’s Flock: Fierce Wolves Are Coming

On the shores of Miletus, the Apostle to the Gentiles summoned the Ephesian elders for a final farewell meeting. For nearly three years, these elders worked intimately with Paul in evangelism and pastoral care (Acts 20:17–38).

In his farewell address, Paul charged the elders to guard God’s flock....