A August 30, 2007
Posted by Han in : Church and Ministry , trackbackThe bible often uses the role of a shepherd to describe a leader. Shepherd is a person who herds, tends, and guards sheep. In the church context, a shepherd is a person who protects, guides, or watches over a person or group of people. H/She can be a pastor, a minister or a cell group leader. By looking at the role of a shepherd it will definitely help to sharpen your leadership skills.
The role of a shepherd
Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 27:15-17
A shepherd is a guide. There must be two relationships in your life. First, a vertical relationship, you are a man appointed over this community responsible to Christ, the Chief Shepherd. Second, a horizontal relationship with your flock, you are responsible for each person.
A shepherd does not seek self-exaltation. It’s a lifestyle of servant hood. It involves staying close contact with your Lord and with your flock. A good shepherd doesn’t ever drive the sheep instead, he lovingly leads them.
From tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalms 78:71-72
A shepherd nurtures. He understands the condition of his flock. He knows what is best of every sheep. He knows what are weaknesses and strengths. He will then skillfully supports, encourages and challenges them to grow in the speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bough with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31
A shepherd protects. He will keep watch over his flock. Wolves, lions and the bears will come but he watches over and ensures its safety. What are these wolves, lions and bears in real life? It may be a deception or temptation or sins. It can be anything that will take away your fellowship with God and believers. It can also be a relationship or greed over money or love for the world. A shepherd protects his members from such attacks.
A shepherd cares for the needs of the flock. In Ezekiel 34, you find a prophecy came to Ezekiel against the shepherds of Israel for they only took care of themselves but not the flocks. They ate the curds, clothed themselves with wool and slaughtered the choice animals and they do not take care of the flock. The shepherds only care for themselves. They were not concern of the flock at all. A shepherd cares for the well being of the flock, not only their spiritual development but their physical condition as well, their family, studies, relationship and work.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
A shepherd equips priests for their service. Shepherd equips priests to enter their royal service, and they are always aware that the sheep are not growing unless they are able to perform priestly service.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6
A shepherd relies on the head of all resources. It is God that makes it grow, not you. You do your part to guide, nurture, protect, cares for their needs and equip them for the ministry but it is God that makes them grow. You can only rely on God by praying for their growth and maturing. But remember, it is not you, you cannot do anything but it is God. You have to constantly maintain the attitude of relying on God.
Lastly, the greatest challenge of a leader is not shepherding itself but relying on God to do shepherding. A leader has to constantly pray and rely on God for the work of ministry.
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