Calvary Baptist Church follows a form of church leadership that seeks to be thoroughly Biblical. Rather than having a corporate or political model, we strive to follow the guidance of Scripture in setting our structure. Therefore, we have for our governance structure an elder-lead arrangement that addresses the plurality of pastoral leadership. These men are qualified by service in the world through the body for the glory of God.

The biblical image of a shepherd caring for his flock—standing long hours ensuring its safety, leading it to fresh pasture and clear water, carrying the weak, seeking the lost, healing the wounded and sick—is precious.

The shepherd-sheep relationship is so incredibly rich that the Bible uses it repeatedly to describe God and his loving care for his people. The Bible also uses shepherd imagery to describe the work of those who lead God’s people. Paul reminded the elders that the Holy Spirit placed them in the flock as overseers for the purpose of shepherding the church (Acts 20:28). Peter exhorts the elders to be all that shepherds should be to the flock (1 Peter 5:2).

If we want to understand Christian elders and their work, we must understand the biblical imagery of shepherding. As keepers of sheep, New Testament elders are to protect, feed, lead, and care for the flock’s many practical needs.

Strauch, Alexander, Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call To Restore Biblical Church Leadership, (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Lewis & Roth Publishers, 1995) pp. 16-17.

Southern Baptist Convention- Baptist Faith & Message