Derek Thomas, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and Chancellor’s Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, discusses the vital role of humility in church leadership. He emphasizes the calling of pastors as under-shepherds, rooted in the example of Christ. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of nurturing faith while warning against greed. Thomas also highlights the responsibilities that church leaders carry, urging congregations to support their pastors and engage in community life.
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Elders as Shepherds and Overseers
Elders in the early church were both presbyters and shepherds, tasked with oversight and care of the flock.
The terms presbyteros and episkopos are synonyms, describing both office and duty of church leaders.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Sheep Rescue in Welsh Snowstorm
Derek Thomas shares his memory of his father rescuing lambs during Welsh snowstorms by warming them indoors.
The loving care involved reflects the practical nature of shepherding God's flock.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Serve Willingly, Not Compulsorily
Shepherding elders must serve willingly, not under compulsion or just as a duty.
They should provide care and encouragement through active, joyful ministry rather than just formal meetings.
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The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.
Pastors are called to shepherd the flock of God. Their character must reflect the humility of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who laid down His life for His people. Today, Derek Thomas considers the responsibilities of church leaders.
Request Derek Thomas’ teaching series The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to all 19 video messages and the study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4159/donate Live outside the U.S. and Canada? You can request lifetime digital access to the teaching series and study guide with your gift of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Save when you register today for Ligonier’s 2026 National Conference, Crucial Questions: https://www.ligonier.org/2026 Meet Today’s Teacher: Derek Thomas is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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