I remember a pastor friend of mind, who has gone home to be with the Lord, said something to me that I never forgot. He said,"A shepherd does not give birth to sheep, only sheep give birth to sheep." The point he was making to me was that a shepherd's main responsibility, is to take care of the sheep in his fold. Which is a picture of what the main role of a pastor is, in regards to the church. And for a pastor to be effective in the care of his congregation, he must definitely be among the people.
When a pastor is truly among the people—present, engaged, and relational—it profoundly affects the growth of a congregation. This isn’t just about attendance numbers; it’s about spiritual depth, unity, and transformation. Here’s how Scripture and biblical principles illuminate this dynamic:
1. Shepherding Through Presence
1 Peter 5:2–3 calls pastors to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… being examples to the flock.” A shepherd doesn’t lead from a distance. By walking with the sheep, the pastor builds trust, models Christ-like character, and nurtures spiritual growth. There are pastors that rely on their preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Even though this is the responsibility of every pastor, just as important is the ministry of visitation, and personal encouragement of the Word of God. It is a statement of the pastor to each member of the congregation, that it's more than just words from the pulpit, but it's his presence and involvement that backs up the words that he shares.
2. Building Genuine Relationships
When pastors are accessible and relational, they foster a culture of openness and belonging. This reflects Acts 2:44–47, where believers were “together and had everything in common.” The early church grew because of deep fellowship, not just good preaching. it is important for the members of the congregation to know without a doubt, that their pastor is a close friend, and will celebrate with them in the good times, and comfort them in the bad. When a pastor bonds with his church members, (not just some, but all) it really becomes a very rewarding experience for both the pastor, and the members.
3. Equipping Through Engagement
Ephesians 4:11–13 teaches that pastors equip the saints for ministry. That equipping happens best through personal interaction—mentoring, listening, and walking alongside people in their daily lives. I heard a professor of a Christian college, talk about how effective it is when a pastor taps his members on the shoulder, and directs them towards a special personal ministry. As a pastor, you have to spend time with the members, to know them personally, in order to help them to be fitted, and framed for their work in the church, and their witness to the world.
4. Teaching That Connects
A pastor who knows their people can preach with relevance and compassion. 2 Timothy 4:2 urges pastors to “correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” That kind of teaching requires knowing the struggles and joys of the congregation. As a pastor, the more you know the members of your congregation, the more you will be able to share Scripture that will really hit the target as far as meeting their needs.
5. Guiding Through Crisis
Pastors who are present during grief, conflict, or hardship become spiritual anchors. Acts 20:28 reminds leaders to “keep watch over yourselves and all the flock… Be shepherds of the church of God.” Presence during pain builds spiritual resilience. It is vitally important that pastors are there for the members when they are going through various trials. As a minister of Jesus Christ, in those times of trial, you represent Christ. You are the feet, the voice, the loving arms of Jesus, that will make such a difference in the lives of those who are going through difficulties in the family of God. .
6. Modeling Servant Leadership
Philippians 2:3–4 and John 13 show Jesus serving His disciples. Pastors who serve humbly—visiting homes, praying with members, joining in community work—model the gospel in action. This inspires others to serve and deepens the church’s witness. A pastor is not to be like a dictator, but is to be like Jesus, who was a servant leader. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He showed them an example, of how they were to minister to one another. When a pastor is seen serving, and ministering to the members of his church, every time it speaks to the church, of how we are to follow that example, and be strongly involved in ministering to one another.