Sublime

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.

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).

In God’s economy, everyone benefits by everyone contributing.

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

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.

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccles. 12:13).

Since Christ is our model for personal ministry, we too want to understand people so that we can serve him in their lives. We too must be committed to entering their worlds. We can begin by taking the time to ask good questions and listen well. Our hope is that others would seek us out and share more of their true struggles, so that they may find,

“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).