EXAMPLES OF SHEPHERD LEADERS
Throughout the Bible , we see examples of shepherding to care for God ’ s people . The Old Testament gives us human examples to keep watch over God ’ s people . God said to David , “ You will shepherd my people Israel , and you will become their ruler ” ( 2 Sam . 78:72 ). Moses “ brought his people out like a flock ; he led them like sheep through the desert ” ( Ps . 78:52 ). Isaiah says of Moses , “ He brought them through the sea , with the shepherd of his flock ” ( Isa . 63:11 ). God used shepherd leaders such as David and Moses to guide and care for Israel . The Old Testament prophets called back the sheep that had gone astray and pointed to the Good Shepherd to come . Those who lead in the church are , by definition , shepherds . If you are in a leadership role , what kind of shepherd are you ? If you serve in ministry under a shepherd ’ s leadership , what kind of sheep are you ?
More Good Shepherds Needed
Exploring the Five Functions of a Shepherd Leader
By Dr . Josh Mulvihill
God has given pastors and ministry leaders a very clear job description in the Bible . Central to that role is shepherding . Peter provides instruction regarding what the shepherding role of a leader is to entail : “ Be shepherds of God ’ s flock that is under your care , watching over them — not because you must , but because you are willing , as God wants you to be ; not pursuing dishonest gain , but eager to serve ; not lording it over those entrusted to you , but being examples to the flock . And when the Chief Shepherd appears , you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away ” ( 1 Pet . 5:2-4 ).
As someone who was a pastor for nearly twenty years , I read these words and feel the weight of responsibility to the Chief Shepherd . The word that should jump out is the word entrusted . We are entrusted with great responsibility — the souls of people in our care . How do we do that well ? Let ’ s briefly explore what the Bible says about the role of the shepherd in the Bible .
SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP IS MANIFESTED IN GOD
If I asked you , “ who is God ,” would shepherd rise to the top of your description of Him ? One of the names God chooses for Himself is shepherd . In Psalm 23:1 , we are told that “ the Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want .” God is the ultimate provider , protector , and guide for His sheep . “ I shall not want .” Nothing is lacking in His care for us . In Psalms 95:6-7 , the Psalmist calls us to worship , in part , because He is a good shepherd who loves us : “ Come let us bow down in worship , let us kneel before the Lord our maker ; He is our God and we are the people of his pasture , the flock under his care .” What does God ’ s shepherding care look like ? “ He tends his flock like a shepherd : He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart ; he gently leads those that have young ” ( Isa . 40:11 ). God is tender , gentle , and loving toward His sheep .
SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP IS MODELED IN JESUS
Jesus declares , “ I am the good shepherd ; I know my sheep and my sheep know me ” ( John 10:14 ). Jesus demonstrates to the disciples the model to follow . Our responsibility as leaders is to carry on in obedience to the call to protect , provide , and guide Christ ’ s sheep . Jesus is the true shepherd , and we are entirely dependent on Him . You are to know God as the shepherd and rely on Him for ministry . We cannot lead apart from Him . Of Jesus , we read , “ The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep ” ( John 10:11 ). Jesus modeled what a shepherd is to do . There is a great price to being a shepherd . It will cost you your life . Every time you lead and bring forth the Word of God to others , you are dying to self . The model is sacrificial service .
RENEWANATION . ORG 29