Sublime

their leaders are supposed to make decisions by consulting with God.

In order to maximize the mutual knowledge of the shepherd-sheep relationship it is essential that the members of the church be delegated among the elders of the church in order that each elder will know which sheep he is responsible for and the sheep will know the identity of their shepherd.

Abe calls God “the LORD who provides.”

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).

When leaders are afraid and don’t trust God, followers won’t either.

Psalm 16 feels more accessible after we’ve walked closely with David.

The justified pastor—the man justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to God’s glory alone, who happens to be a pastor—when taken on his good day or bad day, ministry high or ministry low, will be received with gladness and welcome. Clothed in the righteousness of him in whom you trust, how can you be turned away? You will not b

Every member should have a personal connection with at least one elder. Real sheep “know they belong to a shepherd. They are named, known, and counted every day.”[143] The elders must not merely know the names of those members who are “his” sheep but must strive to know them personally.