How the Pastor Shepherds the Church Session

 How the Pastor Shepherds the Church Session


For you non-Presbyterians out there, by "session," we mean, the currently-serving elders of a church congregation. . . . And though this little paper is designed to assist ministers and (lay) elders, everyone else should feel free to "listen in."

 

First of all, the pastor is the "least" among "servants" on the session.  He is there to minister to his fellow-elders.  Typically, the pastor, especially if he has had some years of experience, is "used to" the slings and arrows, darts and rocks that get hurled at church leaders.  Because of this, he is usually more in the position of being able to shield his brothers from the same.  Also, the pastor, being called by God to be an undershepherd of Jesus, the Great Shepherd, is endowed with a large measure of the blessed Holy Spirit; and he is also blessed to be able to spend an inordinate amount of time in prayer and in the reading and study of the Word of God (the Sacred Scriptures).  Largely because of this, he is more suited to take the "brunt" of initial assaults leveled at church officers (who are faithfully doing their gospel duties).

 

As well, the pastor seeks to encourage his fellow-elders.  Whenever they do "well," he is to sincerely and heartily congratulate them on their successful administration of their ministrations.  The pastor does not need to look for an excessive amount of encouragement from others--so long as he is walking closely with Jesus, in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.  (Still, all genuine encouragement is a blessing.)

 

Another way the pastor "shepherds" the rest of his church's session, is by supporting and fostering the giftedness of the men with whom he is serving.  Is one elder especially straightforward and direct?  Good; he should be affirmed in that.  Is another one more cautious and contemplative?  Fine; that is a good thing, too.  The varieties of gifts and strengths on the session should be wholeheartedly valued, esteemed, and trumpeted.

 

The pastor should highly-tout and practice open and free communication among the session members.  There should not be too much "caution" in this regard--since the pastor engenders trust among the men with whom he is serving.  Because the healthy pastor is secure, he does not always need to know everything that is taking place (or being said) in the church congregation.  He knows he can trust his fellow-elders; and he believes that they are following his lead, in inculcating a spirit of grace and love in the body of the congregation.

 

The pastor also "shepherds" his session by listening to them; and by being sincerely receptive to their ideas.  Because so much trust and integrity has been developed in a healthy session, if there are differing views on a subject, the matter can be (and will be) handled in a gracious way.

 

The pastor is to set the example--not only for the whole congregation--but for the elders who serve with him (on the church session).  This means, he is to model Christ; and set forth that pattern to everyone else.  And since the men on the session are "closest" to him, with regard to the life of the church, those men are to be the ones to most-witness the pastor's imitation of Jesus.

 

And since none of this can be achieved in this life without the power of the Holy Spirit--all of our success is dependent upon our good God, who has given us His perfect and beautiful Son. . . . And, when we fail (sin), the minister is to be the first one to "own" it; and he should seek to shield his brethren from any undo "shame" or embarrassment.

 

The pastor does other things for his session, like pray for them, and provide humble leadership for them.  A Spirit-filled session portends a Spirit-filled church; and there is nothing more exciting in all the world, than a Christ-loving, gospel-spreading, Spirit-filled church.

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #94

3 May 2026

 

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com

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