The Mission

Undershepherds Are to Be Watchful

Addressing the church elders about their responsibilities as undershepherds of Christ’s flock, the apostle wrote: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, ... not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 4TC 273.4

Ministry means earnest, personal labor. Pastors are needed—faithful shepherds—who will neither flatter God’s people nor treat them harshly, but who will feed them the bread of life. 4TC 274.1

God calls the undershepherd to meet alienation, bitterness, and jealousy in the church, and he will need to labor in the spirit of Christ. People may misjudge and criticize the servant of God. When this happens, let him remember that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. ... Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17, 18. 4TC 274.2

If the gospel minister chooses the least self-sacrificing part, leaving the work of personal ministry for someone else, his labors will not be acceptable to God. He has mistaken his calling if he is unwilling to do the personal work that the care of the flock demands. 4TC 274.3

The true shepherd loses sight of self. By personal ministry in the homes of the people, he learns their needs and comforts their distresses, relieves their spiritual hunger, and wins their hearts to God. The angels of heaven assist the minister in this work. 4TC 274.4

The apostle outlined some general principles that everyone in church fellowship is to follow. The younger members are to follow the example of their elders in showing Christlike humility: “‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 4TC 274.5

Peter wrote this way at a time of special trial to the church. Soon the church was to undergo terrible persecution. Within a few years many leaders would lay down their lives for the gospel. Soon grievous “wolves” would enter in, not sparing the flock. But with words of encouragement and cheer Peter pointed the believers “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away.” “May the God of all grace,” he prayed fervently, “after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 4TC 274.6