come to you in sheep ’ s clothing , but inwardly they are ferocious wolves ” ( Matt . 7:15 ). Shepherds have a responsibility to address false doctrine , distortions of the truth , and erroneous teachings . Sheep are vulnerable creatures . They easily wander , which is why protection is critical for shepherds . We are to be like David , who fought the lion and bear ( 1 Sam . 17:34-36 ), and the apostle Paul , who addressed false doctrine and sin in the church .
5 . Gather the sheep . If a sheep goes astray , a shepherd must make every attempt to go after it . God gathers His people . He leaves the ninety-nine to find the one . God has given shepherds essential tools . Shepherds have the staff and rod for discipline and defense . They have a voice so that sheep may know and follow . They have fences to keep sheep from wandering .
God ’ s call to shepherds is to pay careful attention to their flock . If shepherding is something leaders are called to do , it is important to have a well-considered strategy to accomplish the task . Do you have a plan to shepherd your flock ? Is there a system so that you do not miss people ? Is it comprehensive to include all those under your care ? Is there training for leaders so they know how to shepherd ?
DIAGNOSE EACH SHEEP
Consider which category each sheep falls into . Healthy sheep : Regularly attend worship , minister to others in some way , and seek to live in obedience to Christ and the Bible . Weak sheep : Attend worship but do not serve . They may have absorbed worldly ideas or priorities other than Christ . Their main concern is limited to themselves , or they may have relationship struggles that prevent fruitful ministry . Stray sheep : Are uninvolved in ministry and have sporadic attendance . They pursue sin or make foolish choices . Lost sheep : Have forsaken the church and Christ and have wandered away . Inactive sheep : They would like to be active but cannot . This could include the elderly , college students , or someone who is sick .
Shepherding must be relational . We must know our sheep and have the smell of sheep on our hands . The business of the shepherd leader is the sheep . May it be reflected in how we operate in ministry . ■
Dr . Josh Mulvihill is the Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at RenewaNation . He served as a pastor for nearly 20 years , serves on the board of Awana , and helps to provide leadership to the Christian Grandparent Network . He holds a Ph . D . from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary . He is the author of Biblical Grandparenting , Preparing Children for Marriage , Biblical Worldview , and 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home . Josh is married to Jen , and they have five children . Josh blogs at GospelShaped Family . com .
“ This book is a game-changer . A must-have in equipping parents to raise children with lifelong faith in Christ . Highly recommend it !”
Pat Williams , NBA Hall-of-Famer and author of over 100 books
PUT A BIBLICAL PLAN INTO ACTION
This all-in-one guidebook , workbook , and keepsake will help you be proactive for each season of your parenting journey in the following areas of your child ’ s life :
Firm foundations Christlike character development Biblical beliefs and worldview Spiritual growth Life skills Relational skills Work and money management Home management Personal care Educational essentials
Raise your children to maturity in Christ , gain parenting confidence , capture missed opportunities , and leave a godly legacy for generations to come .
available online at SHOP . RENEWANATION . ORG
RENEWANATION . ORG 31