Acts 20:28 is one of the most memorable verses of Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for [to shepherd; to pastor] the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” These leaders (elders/pastors/overseers) of the church in Ephesus were responsible to pastor “all the flock.” What follows are seven reflections on that concept.
First, the elders are to be shepherds for all of their particular flock, not flocks elsewhere. The Holy Spirit, through human instrumentality, appoints men over specific local churches (cf. 14:23).
Second, the idea that the Holy Spirit makes men “overseers” brings dignity and sobriety to that role, and also indicates the importance of the sheep.
Third, elders need to know who is in their flock and under their care. This was fairly simple in the first century, especially when there was only one church of the city. Today, in many places around the world, a person can choose from multiple churches. Believers should be committed members somewhere. This is Christ’s will for them, and clarifies to elders for whom they will give an account (cf. Heb. 13:17).
Fourth, the word “all” in “all the flock” means that elders are to shepherd every individual believer under their charge. No exceptions.
Fifth, some people are difficult to pastor for various reasons. This is never an excuse not to pastor “all the flock.”
Sixth, some church models make it at least difficult, if not impossible, for a team of elders in a local church to actually accomplish Christ’s will regarding shepherding “all the flock.” If you are a leader in a model like that, something must change, or you are disobeying the head of the church.
Seventh, elders should be motivated to shepherd “all the flock” by the reality that they are shepherds of God’s church, “which he purchased with his own blood.” William Arnot, a Scottish pastor and author in the 1800s, writes: “The price paid for them enhances their value. The greater sum that any possession costs, the greater care is bestowed upon it. How can the under-shepherd lightly esteem the flock, which the Chief Shepherd bought with his own blood!” (The Church in the House, 445, archive.org).