When believers gather as the church, some bear specific responsibility for the well-being and protection of the group. These are the shepherds. Those who keep watch. The writer of Hebrews put it this way:

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17a).

Let’s say you’re one of those tasked with keeping watch over the souls at your local church. What does this look like? How do shepherds prepare for such a role, or gauge their effectiveness in carrying it out?

We’ll consider this issue over the next several days, then explore a variety of tools and skills that will come in handy.