Feeding the Sheep, Not the Goats Church life loses its way when the main question becomes, “What will keep the most people comfortable?” Jesus gave Peter a better charge after the resurrection: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). That command still sets the course for faithful ministry. The church is not called to thin out the truth, soften every hard edge, or build its life around the tastes of those who do not know Christ. She is called to nourish the flock with God’s Word, guard them from harm, and speak the gospel plainly so that the voice of the Shepherd is heard. Christ’s Charge Defines the Church’s Work The sheep belong to Christ, not to the shepherds. Scripture says, “Keep watch over yourselves and the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). That settles the matter. The church is precious because Christ bought her, and she must be cared for in a way that honors Him. God also tells us what this care should accomplish. He gave pastors and teachers “to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). A healthy church should therefore aim at maturity, obedience, stability, and love—not mere activity. When the Church Takes Its Cues from the Unconverted There is no real kindness in keeping unbelievers comfortable while believers grow weak. Visitors should be welcomed gladly, but the church must not reshape its message to suit unconverted desires. Paul wrote, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine...” (2 Timothy 4:2–3). When preaching is replaced with amusement, vague encouragement, or endless talk about felt needs, the sheep are left hungry. The lost do not need a polished substitute for truth. They need the gospel. And the saints do not need constant novelty. They need the whole counsel of God. What Feeding the Sheep Looks Like in Practice The pattern is not complicated. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Churches often become tangled when Scripture keeps the essentials plain.
None of this is flashy, but it is fruitful. Sheep grow strong when they are brought again and again to green pastures. Sound Shepherding Also Guards the Flock Feeding and protecting belong together. Titus 1:9 says an elder “must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” Love does not ignore danger. It warns, corrects, and protects. This must be done with humility. Leaders are to be “examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3), not men who enjoy control. Still, they must confront error, address sin, and help the wandering return. A church is safest where truth is spoken plainly and applied with patience. Welcome the Lost Without Starving the Saints A church centered on feeding the flock does not become cold toward outsiders. In fact, it often becomes clearer and more useful to them. Paul described an unbeliever entering the gathered church and hearing God’s truth so plainly that “he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, ‘God is truly among you!’” (1 Corinthians 14:25). Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Christ still gathers His people by His voice in His Word. So feed the sheep. Preach Christ. Guard the flock. Call sinners to repent and believe. The church does not help anyone by setting the table for goats while the sheep go hungry.
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Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. — John 21:17     |