Shepherds

 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; I Peter 5:2

I think much of the emphasis on leadership in the church today has become unbalanced. I think the greatest harm has been in the diminishing of the role of the shepherd. The one who cares for their "flock," their congregation, their fellowship. Getting those who "follow" us to the point we believe we're to be has become much more important than caring for them along the way. Many who read these are themselves pastors and shepherds, as well as teachers, worship leaders, or in some ministry of service. I think some statements I've written down from Jamie Buckingham's book, "A Way Through The Wilderness," might speak to each of us. I think we'd all do well to contemplate the weight of what they contain....

"How can you tell if a man is a 'shepherd?' Look behind them to see if there are sheep who know their voice and are following." I think this is what distinguishes between the corporate style leader and the God called shepherd. A corporate leader can get people to follow from a variety of different methods, but I don't think that at the root of the reason for following is a relationship built on trust and love. Corporate style leaders can appeal to a lot of base and carnal desires in order to get others to follow. Carnal ambition can run rampant even in the church, and the temptation to use others to get to where we want to go can often be given into and oftentimes is. A true shepherd leads where their Lord is leading and moves at the pace their people can follow and that the Father sets. The well being of the people is tantamount. The people go steadily to where God is leading, but the shepherd is not only in tune to His voice, but to the condition and needs of their people. The people sense this, trust this, and know of the sincere care of the shepherd/leader. The shepherd/leader is first and foremost a servant to those they lead. The only agenda they have is God's. Those that follow know this, trust this, and follow because of it. If we're in a leadership role in His church, which kind of "leader" do we most resemble? What would those we are charged to lead and shepherd say about us?

"The leader cannot enjoy the luxury of living like a follower. Leadership encumbers." I remember one of my pastors during my Bible College days saying that in whatever I would ask of my people, I had to be the first one to be seen undertaking it. Whatever sacrifice I expected of them had to first be experienced by me. Too many leaders are more interested in being served and attended to than to be found laboring alongside those they're called to shepherd and lead. It is the leader who must be in tune with "the Way." Followers trust that this will be so, and so they don't spend a great amount of time wondering about the accuracy of the way. The shepherd/leader must. This is best seen in the way Moses led the people out of Egypt. He cared for all the needs and situations of the people, but it was the desire of his God, not his people that he sought. Followers don't think too deeply about the way they are going, but the shepherd/leader can never lose sight of it and has to be completely in tune with the Father during every step. Leadership encumbers, and it cannot be borne alone. It must have the power and presence of God. That comes only from the fruit of deep intimacy and complete obedience.

"God honors the man or woman who does what needs to be done regardless of the cost." The most visible target for a group of followers/sheep is the one who leads, the shepherd/leader. It didn't take me long in ministry to discover this truth. Being second-guessed, criticized, even accused, is all part of the cost. Leading people who think they can do better is also part of it. Staying faithful and obedient to the voice of the Master Shepherd will cost everything at times. Even when every voice in the "flock" runs counter to it. You cannot use force or coercion. You must exercise trust in He who leads you, and patience with those who may question or even rebel against you. Only God, as I have found so many times, can enable us to do so. But if we will, He will honor it all before the journey is done. If we trust Him. If you find yourself in the costly place today.....trust Him, love them, and lead on in surrendered obedience.

Just a few thoughts on Shepherds. I have needed to be reminded of them by His Spirit more than I care to admit. I hope they speak to you. They continually do to me.

Blessings,

Pastor O