Shepherd Leader

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.

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

Examples of those wolves might be materialism, sensuality, pluralism, relativism, and the panoply of sins flowing from them. In a culture saturated with these destructive values, the sheep not only need to be warned about the dangers but equipped to stand against them.

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.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28 NIV).

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.

However, those in positions of authority and responsibility in churches that “pander” are still accountable to God for the well-being of their flocks. Without clearly setting forth the boundaries and standards of the Chief Shepherd for the security of their sheep, the flocks are scattered:

What is the next logical question? “How do you shepherd those members who are not in small groups?” This usually results in a blank stare or even a statement such as, “People who want to be shepherded come to small groups.” Doesn’t this put the burden in the wrong place?

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).