“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
The title Chief Shepherd is a very interesting description of Jesus. Archipoimen (ar-khee-poy’-mane) compounds two Greek words: arche (ar-khay’), meaning “commencement, first, beginning, author, principle;” and poimen (poy-mane’), meaning “pastor, shepherd.”
Jesus is our Chief (Primary) Shepherd. All other church leaders are under-shepherds who lead us to Christ, the Head of the Church. Under-shepherds also lead us in behalf of Christ as His appointed representatives. Thus, our pastors lead us to Christ.
Jesus is Chief Shepherd because He originated our faith. He authorized it and perfects it (Heb. 12:2).
Jesus is Chief Shepherd because He led us to God, to salvation and eternal life (John 14:6; John 10:7-18). By clearing the road, He insures all of us that once we have begun the journey of faith, we can be assured of reaching our final destination safely.
Jesus is also Chief Shepherd because by His atoning death and triumphant resurrection. He earned the right to be Head of the Church (Phil. 2:9-11; Eph. 5:23).
Jesus is the power-center of the universe. He is also the role model we can safely look to and follow. He chose twelve champions who were willing to give up their lives to follow a Super-Champion. He puts shepherds in each congregation to lead the flock to the Chief Shepherd so He can lead us home!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.