Are You a Shepherd?

Some time ago, I ran across a quote from one of the up-and-coming young pastors in America, discussing his role as a shepherd. When asked, "Should we stop talking about pastors as 'shepherds'?" this pastor responded, "Absolutely. That word needs to go away. Jesus talked about shepherds because there was one over there in a pasture he could point to. But to bring in that imagery today and say, 'Pastor, you're the shepherd of the flock,' no. I have never seen a flock. I've never spent five minutes with a shepherd. It was culturally relevant in the time of Jesus, but it's not culturally relevant any more."

I thought it to be a little irreverent, probably because I disagree with it. In fact, I found it to be a bit arrogant. Maybe it just struck me wrong or I didn't really understand where this prominent pastor was coming from. Anyway, it bothered me because I do see you as a shepherd of the flock, especially those of you in the mid-to-small-range churches who do not have a lot of help. I have written about this before because I think "pastor" and "shepherd" have many of the same characteristics.

One of the most amazing things we offer through our Pastoral Ministries effort at Focus on the Family is called "The Shepherd's Covenant." We emphasize it because we feel that you, as a shepherd, must live as an example to other believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Tim. 4:12), but also as a protector, provider and servant. I know it sounds like a lot, but there is great responsibility given to you that goes beyond administration, planning and preparation. Your flock (your congregation) must see you as someone who cares about them on an interpersonal level. Again, my opinion.

And by the way, even shepherds take care of themselves. A depleted shepherd is really not much good for his sheep. So, you must be a sensible shepherd. "When he (Jesus) saw them, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless" (Matt. 9:36).

I know some do this better than others, but you can't let yourself believe you can escape the shepherd role.

So, ... what say ye? Use the Comments link below to agree or disagree. I really care about what you think.

(S060612)

Comments

[Pastor Billy]

Pastor London

I agree with your comments completely and would like to add this. If the Apostles saw the leaders of the church (1 Peter 5:2-4) as shepherds why would we not feel privileged and desire such a title as this. The title of shepherd comes with a picture that can in no way be taught better by any modern metaphors or similes. The duties responsibilities and privileges of being a shepherd if not understood by this young pastor should be. After all we follow the Chief, Great and Good Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4 ; Heb. 13:20 ; John 10:11) if that title is good enough for Jesus I welcome it wholeheartedly and anything I don't understand about it I will pursue the answers. You see I didn't understand it when I was the senior and founding pastor of a small but growing fellowship and when the wolf attacked my family I left the sheep. Well to have the privilege to again shepherd a flock and be called to lay my life down for them, I pray for daily. We need men to see the correlation between the shepherd and the pastor again and to embrace it whole heartedly.

Pastor Billy