⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
Contending for the Word Q&A
Why Pastors and Elders Must Hold Fast to Sound Doctrine
Why doctrinally faithful shepherds are essential for the health of the local church
Show Summary
In this Contending for the Word Q&A episode, Dave Jenkins answers the question, “Why must pastors and elders hold fast to sound doctrine?” Drawing from Titus 1:9 and other key passages, this episode explains how the health of the local church is inseparably tied to the faithfulness of its male shepherds. Pastors and elders are called to guard the flock, feed God’s people with His Word, protect the truth, and represent Christ to His church.
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Episode Notes
In this episode, Dave walks through four core reasons pastors and elders must hold fast to sound doctrine.
1. They guard the flock
Acts 20:28 calls elders to pay careful attention to themselves and to all the flock, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. When pastors drift from biblical truth, the flock becomes vulnerable to error.
When pastors stay anchored in Scripture, the flock is protected. Faithful doctrine is the staff that guards the sheep.
2. They feed the flock
Jesus commanded Peter, “Feed my sheep.” Pastors are called to feed God’s people with His Word, not with opinions, motivational talks, or popular psychology. First Timothy 4:16 reminds pastors to keep a close watch on themselves and on the teaching. Sound doctrine nourishes souls, leads people to Christ, strengthens faith, and anchors hearts in the truth.
3. They protect the truth
The church is a pillar and buttress of the truth according to 1 Timothy 3:15. Pastors stand between the church and the flood of false ideologies that threaten to distort the gospel. They must confront false teaching, refute error, and warn the flock. Silence in the face of serious error is not humility, it is unfaithfulness.
4. They represent Christ
Pastors and elders are under shepherds, serving under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Their authority is derivative, not original, their message is received, not invented. They teach the Word God has breathed out, not their own ideas.
When pastors hold fast to Scripture, Christ is honored, His people are built up, His gospel is kept clear, and His authority is recognized.
Scripture Referenced
- Titus 1:9
- Acts 20:28–31
- 1 Timothy 4:16
- 1 Timothy 3:15
- 1 Peter 5:1–4
- John 21:15–17
Key Takeaways
- The health of the local church is closely tied to the faithfulness of its pastors and elders.
- Faithful shepherds guard the flock, feed the flock, protect the truth, and represent Christ.
- Sound doctrine is not optional for church leaders, it is a biblical mandate for the good of the church.
- Churches should give thanks for doctrinally faithful pastors and pray for their perseverance.
Respond and Share
If this episode helped you think more biblically about church leadership and sound doctrine, please share it with your pastor, elders, and friends. Pray regularly for your shepherds, that they would hold fast to the trustworthy Word as taught.
You can subscribe to Contending for the Word Q&A on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube, and you can find more resources at Contending for the Word Q&A page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
