“ The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep .”
John 10:11
SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP IS MOTIVATED BY LOVE
The problem with human shepherds is we always fall short . We abuse power . We act selfishly . The frailty of human shepherds was a major theme in Israel ’ s history . Ezekiel 34 contains detailed charges against the undershepherds of Israel , who should have been caring for God ’ s flocks . What are the characteristics of a poor shepherd leader from this passage ? They fed themselves rather than the flock ( 34:2 ). They failed to strengthen the sick , heal the diseased , bind up the broken , and seek the lost ( 34:4 ). The result was that people were scattered to foreign lands and became food for beasts . These shepherds failed at their most basic tasks . They were harsh rather than gentle ( 34:4 ). Eventually , God removes them and promises His shepherding care ( 34:7-10 ).
Faithful shepherds are not self-serving . God speaks strongly against the selfish motives of leaders who neglect , exploit , and prey upon others . The Bible condemns those who act like owners over a ministry rather than stewards of the sheep entrusted to them . There is responsibility language in Ezekiel 34 and lots of sins of omission , what shepherds aren ’ t doing .
MORE GOOD SHEPHERDS ARE NEEDED
Maybe God is calling you to shepherd a flock . We need godly men to take the mantle of leadership and say , “ Here am I , Lord ; send me .” Has God given you a desire to lead ? Has He gifted you to lead ? Have others spoken into your life in this way ? We need leaders like 1 Peter 5:2-4 : selfgiving leaders who willingly provide oversight of the flock , are gentle , and are not motivated by their own gain . Sheep are precious because they have been purchased by the blood of Christ .
THE FIVE FUNCTIONS OF A SHEPHERD
1 . Know the sheep . From the moment we are born , we want meaningful relationships . Loneliness , depression , and isolated people in the age of social media are reaching epidemic proportions . Once again , God provides the model for us . Just as God initiated a relationship with us , shepherds are to pursue sheep to know them ( Ps . 100:3 ). What does it mean to know our sheep ? We must know who is in our flock and know the details of their life enough to shepherd them . Peter reminds us that each sheep is “ entrusted to your care ” ( 1 Pet . 5:3 ). We will be held accountable for how we shepherd each person .
2 . Feed the sheep . Provision is the second need met by the shepherd . Sheep always depend on the shepherd . What does the shepherd feed the sheep ? Matthew 4:14 tells us that it is God ’ s living , powerful Word . The Word of God is what satisfies the soul . Shepherds are to feed the whole counsel of God ’ s Word . It is the Word that will nourish and encourage the sheep . “ Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart , who will feed you on knowledge and understanding ” ( Jer . 3:15 ). The Bible suggests the following need feeding : ( 1 ) the young and weak ( Titus 2 ), ( 2 ) those who labor under sin , ( 3 ) declining Christians in serious sin and losing zeal ( 1 Thess . 5:14 ), and ( 4 ) the strong ( they need encouragement to keep on ).
3 . Lead the sheep . The psalmist states , “ Then he led out his own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock ” ( Ps . 78:52 ). Jesus is the Good Shepherd . “ He leads me beside quiet waters ” ( Ps . 23:2 ). Good shepherd leaders do the same . Our people face decisions and crossroads in life . Shepherds show them the right path to take . How do they lead ? By not lording it over them . Shepherds always lead the flock from the front . They never drive them from behind . They stay ahead , show the way , and protect , but not too far ahead . Shepherds are told to be an example to the flock ( 1 Pet . 5:3 ). Leading begins with Christlike character . Failure here sabotages the rest of ministry . It must be clear that you know Christ and burn for Him .
4 . Protect the sheep . Sheep need safety from wolves ( Acts 20:29 ). Sometimes wolves come from outside the church and sometimes from within . Both require strong leadership . Shepherds are commanded to “ be alert ” ( Acts 20:28 ). They are told , “ Watch out for false prophets . They
30 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW