We can learn a lot about church leadership by understanding how shepherds lead their flock.
1. Guiding
Shepherds use their knowledge of the terrain and their experience with their flock to guide them to safe grazing areas and water sources. They may use their voice or staff to direct the sheep and keep them together.
As pastors, we are called to do the same for our congregation. We must know the cultural terrain to best guide our congregations in and through it, not around it. We also allow our flock to flourish and multiply by understanding their world, our community, and how the Gospel fits within both today.
NOTE: Dealing with culture is a never-ending challenge. Culture isn’t the enemy, but it can be a missed opportunity. If you’re interested in learning more about culture and church engagement, check out this Course or Masterclass Experience.
2. Protecting
Shepherds protect their flock from predators, thieves, and other dangers. They may use dogs or other animals to help guard the sheep and be on the lookout for any signs of trouble.
It’s safe to say our world is full of dangers, but not from overt predators such as wolves and thieves. Church leaders protect their flocks today by instructing them in God’s ways and highlighting the enemy’s subtle predator-like behaviors. This must always be done in love and understanding, however.
It’s important to remember that Satan is the enemy, not the tools used by Satan. Culture is not our enemy. Neither is money, travel sports, laziness, or spiritual malaise. Our job as church leaders is to protect our people by helping them see the enemy for what he is and fight against him in spirit and truth.
3. Providing
Shepherds ensure that their flock has enough food and water to sustain them. They may also provide medical care to sick or injured sheep and help with the birthing process for new lambs.
What do church leaders provide their flock? We offer spiritual food through preaching, small groups, and church engagement. It’s the role of church leadership to create and inspire spiritual sustenance for believers, moving them over time from spiritual milk to solid food. This also means we move them from spiritual dependence to self-feeding.
Church leaders must create and implement a discipleship pathway that allows people to progress as a Christ followers.
I believe practical preaching is a key to spiritual growth. I work with churches on preaching principles that drive application and transformation. I offer a Course and Masterclass Experience on this topic.
4. Knowing
Shepherds develop a close relationship with their flock and can identify individual sheep based on their appearance and behavior. They learn to understand the needs and tendencies of the flock as a whole and can anticipate their movements and reactions.
