Written by Brian Dembowczyk, associate publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles
Sometimes what the Bible doesn’t say is just as important as what it does say. For example, in 1 Peter 5:2, we read, “Shepherd the flock of God among you” (NASB). Notice that only one qualifier is given: An elder is responsible for only the congregation God has entrusted to him. Beyond this, no other limitation is placed on an elder’s shepherding. The verse doesn’t say to pastor “the male flock,” or “the adult flock,” or “the upper-class flock.” An elder is to shepherd the entire flock.
In Acts, Paul stated this responsibility plainly: “Watch out for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28, NET, emphasis added). God wants the entire church to be discipled and sent on mission. That should be a pastor’s desire too. And this desire must extend to kids.
God has positioned parents to be the primary disciplers of their children (Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4), but he has also tasked the church with helping parents fulfill this high calling. Church leaders do this in part by equipping parents to be disciplers at home. But we’re also directly responsible for the children under our oversight. Believing children are part of the flock that the elder shepherds. Parents shouldn’t abdicate their responsibility to the church, and pastors shouldn’t abdicate our responsibility to the home.
Of course, elders don’t bear our shepherding responsibility alone. God gives us a team of ministry leaders to extend our care and reach. Our job is to ensure these leaders are positioned to serve the entire flock well. No ministry—including the children’s ministry—should get the church’s “B team.” Indeed, there’s ample reason to give the children’s ministry some of the best leaders you have. This is a wise investment for your church today and well into the future.
—Brian
