Most of us come to church leadership with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm. The Lord Jesus called us to this flock and we’re eager to help them grow. So, we clarify our church’s vision, plan our sermons, train workers, and invest in fruitful programs. What we don’t typically plan for is hardships—sorrows, departures, unemployment, conflicts, opposition, and “the powers of this dark world.”
But whether we ever thought about it or not, that is what we signed up for. And sooner or later, one way or another, that is when our people need us most.
When people are hurting, wayward, or hungry, we may well feel inadequate. But what they most need from us, and what Jesus has equipped us to do, is to be their shepherd!
To carry lambs in our arms. To lead the flock to green pastures. To keep cantankerous sheep from head-butting each other or selfishly muddying up the drinking water. To drive off predators and rescue lost sheep. To walk with them through life’s darkest valleys. And to lead them gently home.
"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." —1 Peter 5:1-3 ESV
"Be Shepherds of God's Flock", Lee Eclov, PreachingToday
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