‘As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord God” (Ezek. 34:31). It is always incumbent upon the people of God to remember that he is not only their shepherd, but that he is the Lord God.

Unless properly understood in the context of the Scriptures, the authority of church leadership can deteriorate into cult-like control.

Provide new members with a basic orientation to Matthew 18:15–20 in context. Remind them that this foundational passage for church discipline is immediately preceded in the text by the story of the good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek after the one lost sheep (18:12–14).

“Well, the overwhelming majority of people (93 percent) said that they—and nobody else—determine what is and what isn’t moral in their lives.

It is sad to consider how much of the work of the Lord is carried out in our own strength, without seeking the Lord’s blessing.

In Peter’s words to his fellow elders he reminded them that they were to shepherd the flock, “nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).

The next logical question is, “Who cares for the pastor?” This can get complicated. Probably the best answer is to encourage the elders as a whole (or to delegate to one or two), to provide contact and concern for the pastor and his family. It is true that pastoral ministry can be a very lonely calling. Think how beneficial it would be for pastors

It is fascinating to note that, in the discussion of the emerging movement, the expression “emerging leaders” is used without pause. How do these individuals become recognized as leaders? Who authorized them to speak for the movement? Is it because they are ones who have the most influence? As the saying goes, “if everyone is the leader, then no

There is no chance that they can succeed. If this promise were not enough, Jesus reminds his listeners that to be secure in him is to be secure in the Father as well. Not only can no one snatch them out of his hand, but “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). To be secure in Christ is to be secure in the Father, and