The role of a shepherd continues to be a topic of discussion within most congregations, large and small. Larger congregations find themselves discussing who will serve in the future, and smaller congregations wonder how to find men who will serve in this role. Both situations demand consideration as the future of the church hangs in the balance. Far too many congregations have no shepherds, and the remaining majority have too few. Finding quick and easy solutions to the situation will not be forthcoming soon.
The 21st century church did not get into this situation overnight and getting out of it will require time, patience, and much work. While each congregation will approach the situation differently, there are several principles that will improve the outcome for the future. One of the primary needs to move in the right direction involves our understanding of a shepherd and their role within the church.
For most of my life, I’ve heard the term “elder” used for those who were appointed to the role of overseer, manager, or pastor for the church. The use of this term is biblical, and the various terms associated with it. In recent years, the use of “shepherd” has been used more frequently. Why has this shift occurred? Does the use of one over the other help us understand more clearly the role needed in the church, which has not existed in the past?
David referred to the Lord as his shepherd in the most popular Psalm of the Old Testament (Psalm 23:1). In numerous places throughout the Old Testament, God refers to shepherding the people of Israel. Jesus referred to Himself as the “good shepherd” in John 10. Within these texts, we find similar ideas expressed that relate to the responsibility of shepherding the church today. One of the fundamental key elements is “knowing” the sheep.
Notice how Jesus claims, “I am the good shepherd, and earlier in this text, Jesus said the sheep hear the voice of the shepherd, know My own and My own know Me” (Jn. 10:14). Ea and they follow because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger. Instead, they flee from him because they do not know the “voice of strangers” (vv. 3-5).
First of all, let’s consider what it means to know the sheep. The task is not an easy one and will require much of the shepherd. Shepherds must recognize they cannot really know the sheep during the few minutes spent talking before or after the Sunday morning Bible class and worship time. Sadly, there are too many shepherds in the Lord’s church today that never see any of these members outside of the building on Sunday or Wednesday.
Knowing the sheep requires spending time with the sheep, demonstrating a greater level of approachability. I’ve heard shepherds announce from the pulpit, “If you like what is going on here, then tell others. If you don’t like what is going on, tell us.” In theory, it is a good suggestion. The problem in this specific situation was the shepherds who made this announcement were not approachable. They were more intimidating to the sheep. No one was going to come to them and talk about areas they did not agree with or like.
When shepherds are unapproachable, it makes it difficult to encourage the principle at hand: knowing the sheep. I received a call a few years back, and one of the men in the congregation was being considered as a shepherd. The person who called me was concerned because the potential shepherd came across as harsh, brash, somewhat aggressive, and standoffish. I suggested he invite them to lunch and visit about his concerns. It is possible that someone is unaware of how they come across to others. If this potential shepherd becomes defensive, blaming, or denies the concerns, then you know a lot about this man and the type of shepherding he will provide. If he explains that he was not aware he came across this way and wants to learn how to improve this image, that also tells you a great deal about his character and the nature of his shepherding.
Shepherds need to know the sheep, and the sheep need to know their shepherds. For this to take place, it requires shepherds to be in the homes of those they lead and have the sheep in their own homes. They need to promote greater transparency and intimacy. Shepherds will soon be seen as approachable, and deeper discussions will allow members to open up and share the challenges, struggles, temptations, difficulties, and joys experienced in their lives. The relationship blossoms, and greater connections are made.
More will be discussed in the future, but for now, shepherds need to focus on connecting with the sheep and connecting the sheep to Jesus. When they know the sheep, they will have a better understanding of how to lead the sheep, especially in a deeper relationship with Jesus.
