Shepherding during a storm isn’t always pretty, but as I have worked as a pastor and led trauma healing efforts, I’ve learned that even in chaos we can find calm. Even in the overflow of a person’s tears is a hand holding a bottle to catch those very tears. Even in the unknown of what will happen, God knows all, even the hairs on our heads. Even while we were sinners, Christ died for us.
As we care for the brokenhearted in our churches and nudge them into the belief that they are God’s beloved even during pain and heartache, a few things can make a difference as we lead our people to the safe gate:
1. Call people to follow Jesus first and foremost.
As under-shepherds of God’s flock, we have an important responsibility to help those in our care. That help is best found in teaching them to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Jesus is where people will find true rest. Jesus is where people will find the ‘light yolk.’ And Jesus is the one who shows us how to live a ‘new kind’ of life: Kingdom life. People who build their life on Jesus will live on a solid foundation regardless of the storm.
2. Don’t manipulate Scripture to fit your agenda.
Although there is chaos when shepherding during a storm, the end never justifies the means. We want our people to get to the safety of believing they are God’s beloved, but we must not misrepresent or overpromise along the way. Sometimes, everything won’t be alright in this world. Sometimes anger is justified. And sometimes finding that safe gate will take a long, long time. God’s Word speaks to these issues—use it properly. You never need to use Scripture to make false promises—God’s love and faithfulness are powerful enough to carry us through the hard times.
3. Lead people—don’t drive them.
Remember that you don’t have all the answers and that God has imparted upon each person His image. Believe that the Holy Spirit is powerful enough to take your humble offerings of help and turn them into a lavish outpouring of his love. Don’t worry about having all the answers—you never did anyways. And trust that as you lead from the outside, God is doing a deeper, transforming work on the inside.
4. Be gentle, honest, caring, humble, and authentic.
Your people need to know they can trust you right now. They need to know you are a person of your word and that they can rely on you. In recent years, church scandals have led to an increasing distrust of church leaders. Your people need to believe that you shepherd because you care about them, not because you have a personal agenda to build your church or gain power.
