Shepherd Leader

Imagine the benefit to our churches if dads were equipped to provide every aspect of shepherding care.

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 on

Sheep, on the other hand, are always completely dependent on their shepherd. They never outgrow their need for the shepherd to care for them, feed them, lead them, and protect them. The shepherd cares for the newborn lambs and is still there when the sheep grow old and weak.

The authority of the leader does not “originate” or “arise” with the people but with the Lord. It is on that basis, and on that basis alone, that leaders can act with confidence.

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

“When do you receive personal contact from your elders?” the two most common answers are “when there is a financial need or crisis” or “when I have done something wrong.”

“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.

The sheep are frustrated and discouraged because they are not receiving the care that they need and that the Lord requires that his shepherds provide. Many of them may be spiritually hungry or may have even begun to stray. Failure to shepherd, therefore, impacts church health.

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 t