The Bible uses shepherding as a metaphor for pastoral work. Shepherds take care of sheep, and spiritual shepherds take care of people. It’s a straightforward metaphor — but what does it look like? Here’s a description pulled from Ezekiel 34. Scan the list and note the impression it makes. Then, reread each point and ask […]
Category: church leaders
Five assumptions about shepherding
We’ve made four assumptions so far, and here I’ve added a fifth. 1. Wherever believers gather, some are accountable for the well-being and protection of the group. Specifically, of their souls. 2. The metaphor most often used to describe this accountability is shepherding — an activity rich in analogy and example. 3. Shepherding is a […]
Who shepherds the shepherds?
If you’re responsible for the well-being of others there’s one thing you know. Shepherding takes time. It’s not done on the fly or covered in a meeting. Think through the descriptive list from Ezekiel 34. Searching for the lost. Strengthening the weak. Healing the sick. Dealing with discipline. Providing abundant food. This is hard work […]
Shepherding
Most of us “keep watch.” Parents, coaches, teachers, pastors and elders, friends — keeping watch means caring how others do and investing in their well-being. This is the beauty of God’s systems. Family, community, society — they’re all designed to foster well-being. Against this backdrop the seriousness of neglect is revealed. To be neglected is […]
They Keep Watch . . .
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 […]
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