Essential Church: The Protection of Godly Leaders

Acts 20:28-29 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.


1. The Proper Focus of Godly Leaders
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock”
As Paul looks to leave the church at Ephesus, he reminds us of one of the many essentials of the local church in the life of the believer-godly leadership. Here Paul commands the leaders to “take heed” meaning “to pay close attention” or “to be on guard” concerning themselves and all the flock. The “flock” is a reference to the local assembly of believers that have gathered together for the common purpose of worshipping God and sharing the gospel, a.k.a. the “local church.” As a pastor, I have the responsibility to watch out for the welfare of the flock. As a member of our local church, our members have the privilege of godly leadership to help protect them from sin and false doctrine.

2. The Placement of Godly Leaders
“over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers”
The Holy Ghost has placed pastors in leadership of the flock. The imagery of a shepherd reminds us that sheep are not driven, but they are led. If the pastor is to fulfill his responsibility biblically, he must lead people by example into godliness. A man barking orders while never demonstrating how to live a Christian life cannot biblically lead people.

People must also learn to follow godly leadership. They are there because God has placed them there. Many times we don’t understand. Perhaps, you wish they would lead a different way. You believe you could do a better job. We need to remember that God has sovereign placed them there for your protection.

3. The Purpose of Godly Leaders
“made you overseers, to feed the church of God,”
Biblically, we know that a pastor cannot control your life. He is not the final authority. Each of us have a personal responsibility before God for the way we live our life, but a godly church leadership is a gift from God to the flock of God to help protect them from going astray.

4. The Protection of Godly Leaders
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Paul warns of the danger that will come when he leaves. False teachers were waiting in the wings. These “wolves” would come in and tear apart the flock. The Pastors responsibility is to protect the sheep from the wolves. Following the example of the Good Shepherd, the pastor should be willing to lay down his life for the good of the sheep. False teachers are not concerned with purity of doctrine, or glorifying God, they are self-seeking deceivers that lead people away from the truth of God’s word. Some of them may have a hint of truth, but just enough to be believable. Perhaps some wolves are bold to spread their false doctrine. No matter what their approach, the Pastors job is to carefully watch the flock and warn of impending danger.

The world, flesh, and false teachers care nothing for our welfare. They are only concerned about themselves. We need the local church and the leadership of a pastor to help point out the deceit of false doctrine and the dangers of the world.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

This is just one more reason why Church is essential.

Disclaimer: This is not to say that pastors are perfect, because we are not. You must wisely compare what your pastor says with the word of God. If your pastor doesn’t agree with the Bible then you may need to find a different flock with a shepherd that will lead you and protect you by following the Great Shepherd.